Nermal is a destructive distortion Eurorack module that has some unique sonic qualities. There are 3 levels of distortion ranging from subtle saturation to utter destruction. An integrated modulator can switch or even blend between these modes, with the modulation frequency going well into the audio range, in which case, interesting harmonics and artefacts can be created on top of the incoming audio. Nermal rewards experimentation and unexpected sweetspots can often be discovered along the way. In addition to the onboard modulator, there are external modulation options via control voltages (CV) for the most commonly used parameters. LFOs and envelopes work great, but audio signals are accepted as well and make for the most interesting patches.
Nermal is available from May 2021 as a full DIY kit from retailers. It's fairly easy to complete, with a moderate component count and no SMD or other tricky parts.
"In this video, I build the new pale-faced Neutral Labs @nyppy Elmyra 2 and take it for a test drive with my MPC One acting as a sequencer. See https://neutral-labs.com/elmyra2
This is a 4 voice polyphonic semi modular synth advertised for "microtonal exploration", but it can also be used chromatically if you so choose, as demonstrated in this video. Table of contents:
00:00 intro
00:10 hi
00:27 building the synth
05:45 MPC setup
06:08 short improvisation (with explanations)
11:05 bye-bye
"Available as a DIY kit or assembled desktop synth or 42 HP Eurorack module."
Check with dealers on the right for availability.
User videos:
1. Neutral Labs Scrooge and Digitakt II - live electronic performance - Jay Hosking
2. So…is it a drum machine?" The Neutral Labs SCROOGE Demo - mylarmelodies
00:00 Don't call it a drum machine! 01:06 What is Scrooge? 02:02 How it works. 04:07 Panel Controls 06:49 Making a Pattern From Scratch 08:42 Step Knob Automation 13:09 Adding More Voices 14:25 Ratcheting for Tone Creation 15:25 ...Then Adding 808 16:39 Funky Oizo Jam 17:17 'Control All' Feature 19:00 'Random Pattern' Generator 20:55 Manually Editing It. 22:17 A Techno Ending.
3. What's a Sequenced Malfunction Generator // Neutral Labs Scrooge Review and Demo - Starsky Carr
0:00 What's A Scrooge 2:00 Demo with TR606 and Elmyra2 4:04 Quick Start Guide 12:20 CTL ALL FTW 13:58 How to Create a Pattern 21:18 Creating Variations with CTL ALL 25:12 Randomisation 25:51 Function Buttons 27:41 Microtiming 30:24 Evolving Patterns with Random Variation 32:13 Playing with Perkons
"Scrooge is a sequenced malfunction generator, available as a 42 HP Eurorack module or semi-modular desktop synth. While you can convince it to deliver boomy kick drum sounds, clicky hi-hats or metallic snares, it would much rather be making glitchy artifacts, hollow crackles and horribly distorted growls. It contains a sophisticated and performance-oriented step sequencer with parameter locking and the possibility to control all steps across multiple tracks at once. Its 5 distinct and fully analog voices are made up of special circuits that work without dedicated power supplies, scrounging power from the sequencer control signals instead, which gives them an organic and unstable quality. As a bonus, it means you won’t have to power the unit itself if you sequence it from external gear.
5 distinct analog voices device can work passively without a power supply if sequenced from external gear each voice can be routed to either of 2 main outputs (headphone compatible) individual voice outputs individual voice CV inputs that respond well to audio signals 2 modulation tracks, individually routable to voices 2 modulation CV inputs onboard step sequencer parameter locking per step "control all" mode (change parameters for several steps and tracks at once), great for interactive playing arbitrary step length per track (up to 64 steps) generative algorithm builds random variations on patterns (available while performing), or creates random patterns from scratch pattern chaining (up to 32 patterns) stores up to 128 patterns in 16 banks microtiming CV slew limiter per track can sequence external gear sync output sync and reset inputs MIDI input (TRS type A)"
This is a demonstration of the wide sonic palette possible with Elmyra. I'm using two of them in combination with various other synthesizers and effects units, such as Soma Lyra-8, Make Noise 0-coast, Tasty Chips GR-1, Moog DFAM and Mother-32, Elektron Digitakt and Analog Four, Mooer Ocean Machine, Jomox M-Resonator and a bunch of Eurorack modules.
If you're interested in a panel + PCB set, kit or build, let me know."
"Not a lot of videos about this peculiar synth around, so I recorded this one and focused a bit on the weird side of it, which is where it shines. If you can't be bothered to watch all of it, skip to the last two minutes. And if you have any questions, just leave a comment, I'm happy to help."
Scrat is an aggressive sounding multimode Steiner-Parker filter with a twist: You can change the resonance flavour by plugging in components like diodes, capacitors or resistors (even LEDs and/or light-dependent resistors) directly to the front panel. A set of preset cartridges is also available, which gives you instant access to a variety of filter sounds. You could even make your own. Or go all in and connect some jumper wires to a breadboard for pretty much endless possibilities.
The 2-pole filter (12 dB/octave) supports both high-pass and low-pass mode. Even without external components or cartridges, the resonance behaviour can be changed in various ways via switches on the front panel. Both resonance and cutoff can be fully CV controlled, and the cutoff CV sensitivity can be adjusted as well.
The module contains an adjustable pre-filter drive circuit, which pairs very well with the Steiner-Parker design.
Scrat is available from July 2022 as a full DIY kit from retailers. It's a relatively easy build to complete, with a low component count and no SMD or other tricky parts. A set of 4 preset cards called Nuts (Acorn, Almond, Cashew and Pecan) is also available.
"I've heard people refer to the Nyborg as 'the better Moog', and using both of them almost daily, I thought I'd put up a short video comparing the two. This is not meant to be a full review of either. It's mainly about the sound, specifically oscillators and filters. Both user interfaces and modulation capabilities are vastly different, and you can find reviews and tech specs elsewhere.
In my opinion, there is no clear winner in terms of sound (otherwise I wouldn't still own both). The Moog's oscillators sound warmer, but it can get more aggressive with the filter and overdrive. The Nyborg has a very pleasant sound for arpeggios and is easier to fit in a mix. Without any resonance, both filters sound very close to each other.
Do you have a favourite? Or got anything to ask? Let me know in the comments.
"This is just a quick demo of my Elmyra prototype. You can easily build this synth yourself. I will share the schematics, PCB and code in a few days. A video detailing all the features is also coming up. Just watch this space or drop me a message.
This is obviously inspired by the Soma Lyra-8, which I love, but it's not a clone at all.
Reverb provided by Eventide Space. Next video will have the dry sound as well. The Elmyra delay can get pretty reverb-y on its own.
#diy #synthesizer #noise"
Note this is the first post to feature Neutral Labs.
The successor to the widely acclaimed Elmyra, Elmyra 2 is a 4-voice digital/analog hybrid drone synthesizer and platform for microtonal sonic exploration, capable of creating anything from lush ambient soundscapes to gritty droning textures and shrieking noises, available as a 42 HP Eurorack module or semi-modular desktop synth. With 31 modulation targets, 4 polymetric sequencers, delay, additional per-voice effects, a choice of various filters, as well as onboard LFOs and utilities, it is essentially a purpose-built small modular system in itself. A set of preset cards (included) or electronic components like capacitors or diodes can be plugged into the front panel in order to change the sound character.
Feature overview:
4 independent voices activated by touch or CV wavetable-based complex oscillator engine, up to 12 oscillators in total, 1V/octave compatible chromatic mode makes chords and harmonic sounds possible, microtonal scales supported 41 patch points 31 modulation targets touchpads with analog envelopes that can be used as modulation sources resonant filter switchable between: boomy and aggressive multimode 2-pole state variable filter (low-pass, band-pass, high-pass) creamy 4-pole low-pass ladder filter delay with unhealthy amounts of feedback lo-fi reverb analog OUCH circuit: a unique combination of destructive distortion, waveshaping and filtering sonic character can be customised by using special preset cards (set of 4 included) or components like diodes that can be plugged into the front panel preset cards can be used with other Neutral Labs modules external audio can be processed via audio input 9 per-voice modulations and effects: unison detune dual sub-oscillators saturation bitmangler sample rate reduction noise high-pass filter low-pass filter 2 LFOs: 1 sine, 1 complex morphable 4 sequencers with arbitrary step length per voice (up to 128), allows polymetric structures delay time and LFOs can be clock-synced or unsynced (tap tempo is also possible) utilities dual attenuator/buffered multiple/voltage generator CV summing circuit case made of plant-based bioplastic and native German oak wood boutique synth handmade in Germany
"Available as DIY kit or assembled desktop synth or Eurorack module. See https://neutral-labs.com/elmyra2 for more info and firmware download."
00:00 Version identification
00:15 Octave range switching
01:00 Chord mode
01:55 Elmyra cosplaying as guitar
02:25 More filters
03:55 Advanced LFO modes
06:06 Signal routing
Nermal is a destructive distortion Eurorack module that has some unique sonic qualities. There are 3 levels of distortion ranging from subtle saturation to utter destruction. An integrated modulator can switch or even blend between these modes, with the modulation frequency going well into the audio range, in which case, interesting harmonics and artefacts can be created on top of the incoming audio. Nermal rewards experimentation and unexpected sweetspots can often be discovered along the way. In addition to the onboard modulator, there are external modulation options via control voltages (CV) for the most commonly used parameters. LFOs and envelopes work great, but audio signals are accepted as well and make for the most interesting patches.
