ThreeTom Modular Doppio (Double Espresso AMP/DRIVE/Limiter)

video upload by Cinematic Laboratory

"I got my Doppio ( a Double Espresso) when I visted Dutch Modular Fest in 2023. It was still a prototype and I think it was officially announced eight months ago. I saw it again at DMF 2024 and I agreed with Tom (all three of them) to make a video about it. I really like to support the small manufacturer, so this video is sponsored by me and I paid full price.

Doppio is one of those modules you'd set and forget, a module you can always rely on when things get loud, and a module you can depend on when your source material is barely audible. So in a nutshell, it's a stereo AMP that can amplify your source 1x, 5x or 21x. If you want to blow things up, you can also try modular level and make it 21 times louder, and maybe add some extra drive to it. Need more? You can also patch dual mono to achieve a x42 gain but I can't think of a scenario where I'd use this creatively. When used incorrectly, it will saturate your source to a point where I'd say it's ruined.
When used creatively, there are no rules. When use correctively, less is more.

When dynamics are unpredictable, the module provides a limiter, which attenuates your peaks and avoids your sound from clipping.
If you're coming in TOO loud, the limiter will try do damage control, but results may vary between 'not so bad' and 'abandon all hope'. So gain staging for your intended use will always be important. If you use regular modules and a decent mixer, your mixer may already provide soft-limiting (e.g. Erica Synths) and this will not be a must-have module. So always check before you get gear lust.

I use it a lot, preferrably just before my output module, or near my mic preamp. It's a permanent part of my 'new' Utility Case, which I've prepared to have the modules I often use always nearby, regardless of the subject of a video."