The DROID: The CV module replacing all other CV modules (ADSRs, Turing Machines, Quantizers, LFOs..)

video by Bertolt Meyer

Review of the DROID multipurpose CV processing module for the Eurorack format by Der Mann mit der Maschine, including an explanation of its internal patching language and its concept of "circuits".

Chapters:

00:00​ Intro: One CV module to replace them all
00:53​ DROID Module and P2B8 Expander overview
02:52​ Example 1: 3 Envelopes with one pot-controlled parameter each
05:23​ Example 2: Quantized turing machine
07:39​ Example 3: LFO
08:00​ Changing the DROID's settings
08:53​ Final thoughts, price considerations, and recommendation
09:43​ Acknowledging the manufacturer
10:24​ How to pronounce 'Der Mann mit der Maschine' correctly
10:50​ The gates expander
11:15​ How to write a Patch for the DROID: Coding example

via Der Mann Mit Der Maschine

The DROID is a very flexible generic CV processor for modular synthesizers in the Eurorack (Doepfer) format. It has 8 CV inputs and 8 CV outputs, all ranging from -10V to +10V. The DROID can do almost any CV task you can imagine, such as sequencing, melody generation, slew limiting, quantizing, switching, mixing, working on clocks and triggers, creating envelopes and LFO or other fancy voltages, or any combination of these at the same time. While doing this, is very precise both in voltage and in timing.

You tell your DROID what to do by means of a simple text file called “DROID patch”, while is located on a micro SD card. No special software is required for creating that file. A simple text editor running on Windows, Linux, Mac or any other device is all you need.

Controllers and expanders

By attaching up to 16 P2B8 controllers, each having two potentiometers and 8 push buttons, you can control any parameter you like while playing your music.

The G8 expander gives you 8 more jacks, which can be used for gate or trigger inputs and outputs.

The Circuits

The building blocks of a DROID patch are called circuits. Every type of circuit performs some specific task. A circuit is very much like a Eurorack module itself. Some of these do basic things like slew limiting, sample & hold or switching. Others are much more comlex, such as an advanced trigger sequencer with algorithmic extensions. Just like a Eurorack module, each ciruit has inputs and outputs. You can wire these either directly to one of the 16 jacks, or even connect them internally. Every parameter can be CV controlled.

Here are a few examples of what your DROID can be for you. As long as you do not run out of inputs and outputs you can implement as many of these functions at the same time in one DROID. You also can connect them together internally.

LFO
Envelope generator
Melody and trigger sequencer
Random generator, bernoulli gate
Sample and hold
Precision adder
Slew limiter
Clock tool with divider, multiplier and delay
Logical and mathematical functions
CV looper
Euclidean rhythms generator
Versatile musical quantizer, octave switch
Addressable and clockable CV switch
CV mixing and routing matrix
VCO precision calibrator
... and many many more...
You can use these circuits either directly - just like normal Eurorack modules - or combine them internally in order to implement more complex functions. Then you can assign pots and buttons of your "P2B8"-controllers for switching, tuning and live performing with these. Basically you can transform your Eurorack modular system into your own custom instrument. Or you simply use the DROID as a replacement for several utility modules, because it is very space efficient.