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In today’s Eurorack landscape, functionality and space efficiency are essential. In my last article, I presented the DROID ecosystem in more details and I showed how pairing the DROID Master and P2B8 can recreate an 8-channel Condensed Sinfonion at just a quarter of the size and half the cost of the original. For me, that alone is reason enough to dive into the DROID ecosystem.
If that level of cost-efficiency still isn’t persuasive, I get it—an 8-channel quantizer can feel excessive when aiming for a space-efficient setup. So, let’s look at how the Master and P2B8 can be reconfigured as a 4-channel Sinfonion with even greater versatility.
Sinfonion + Turing Machine
My new DROID patch serves as a powerful 4-channel quantizer, making it ideal for setups as large as a 7U 168 HP. It condenses melodic and harmonic control into a single, intuitive interface.
To generate the notes, I programmed four Turing Machines, each of which can output CV sequences normalled to its respective quantizer channel, or can be bypassed if you prefer to use external CV sources.
How does all of this work with just two pots and eight buttons?
The magic lies in a single “navigation” button.
A Way to Go Far with P2B8
Tapping this "navigation" button lets you toggle between the four quantizer channels. Once a quantizer is selected, the two pots adjust the pitch and octave range of that channel’s quantizer. The remaining seven buttons allow you to activate or deactivate specific chords for each quantizer channel.
Holding down the “navigation” button takes you into Turing Machines mode. Here, one knob controls the sequence length of the selected Turing Machine, while the other introduces randomness to the CV sequence or locks it into a loop. Four of the buttons toggle between the four Turing Machines.
That’s Not All
I replaced the last four outputs, previously used as chord outputs, with a 1-to-4 sequential switch. This allows me to trigger voices sequentially using a clock signal, ensuring they don’t overlap, which simplifies mixing and declutters compositions.
This approach complements my fast-paced music style, where multiple voices are typically triggered in succession but rarely overlap. The trigger sequence advances with a 90% probability, adding an element of surprise and introducing rhythmic variation.
Don't Start From Scratch
If you’re interested in trying this patch with an instant installation, it’s ready for download:
It's worth noting that even if you don't need this specific set of functions, you can still use this file and grab the complex P2B8 navigation configuration from it, saving yourself hours of programming.
Interested in the original 8-channel Condensed Sinfonion setup instead? You can download the DROID file from my previous article:
Envelope Generators Instead of a Sequential Switch
Using a sequential switch isn’t the only option, and in some cases, it might not be the most cost-effective choice.
Instead, consider repurposing the four external CV inputs tied to the quantizer channels to trigger four envelopes. Then, use the last four outputs to send these envelopes signal to destinations of your choice, replacing the sequential switch entirely. The three extra buttons on the P2B8 in Turing Machines mode could be set to adjust envelope parameters, like attack and release, maximizing P2B8's potential even more.
Alternatively, you could keep the 1V/oct inputs for external pitch control while using internal pulses from the four Turing Machines to trigger the envelope generators. You could even repurpose the 1-to-4 sequential switch patch, feeding it gates from the Turing Machines to trigger these envelopes in sequence.
This setup firmly positions DROID as a strong contender for the most cost-efficient Eurorack system.
It Doesn’t Even Have to Stop Here
You can continue down this design path to further expand the capabilities of this compact setup—imagination is nearly the only limit.
Thinking like a designer while crafting your small DROID system is valuable advice, and the quote from Steven Hammer above serves as a perfect reminder.
That being said, start by identifying what functions your musical instrument needs, then consider if the control options offered by the P2B8 align with your ideal workflow. If it fits, let your creativity lead you to possibilities only you can dream up. And if the P2B8 and the classic Master modules don’t quite match your vision, there are plenty of other modules to explore.
Is DROID the Most Cost-Efficient Eurorack System?
In this article, we’ve seen how the DROID Master and P2B8 combination brings unparalleled flexibility to Eurorack, all within just 13 HP and for around $550 USD.
The last setup suggested allows you to recreate elements of powerful modules like the Sinfonion at a fraction of the size and cost. Configured as a 4-channel quantizer, it becomes the backbone of an efficient system, incorporating Turing Machines, envelope generators, a sequential switch, and room for more. This is the equivalent of a 84 HP system valued at over $2,300 USD—four times more expensive and 6.5 times wider!
Consequently, I firmly believe the DROID ecosystem offers the biggest bang for the buck when it comes to CV generation and processing. However, if you think otherwise, I’d love to know which Eurorack module(s) you believe surpass DROID in cost-efficiency.
If you need a compact and adaptable system, why not seize the opportunity to expand your sonic horizons with DROID?
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