Some people might argue there's nothing more boring than a utility module within the eurorack system. I disagree, utilities are key to tie everything together in your final mix. Let me explain in this article my love for utility modules.
To any new modular system owner, the need to easily combine different voltage sources quickly becomes apparent. While a mixer is the obvious solution, these modules are not suitable for adding precise pitch control voltages (CVs) since the channel gains can not be set exactly to unity.
This article is interesting to those looking for a solution to patch in stereo with multiple modules. One Joranalogue add 2 module can provide up to 3 additional channels to sum both left and right mono signals into one output.
The module built by Joranalogue Audio Design we are discussing today is Add 2 and provides a compact solution to this problem, precisely summing the input signals down to 1 or 2 outputs. Alternatively, each section can be configured as an averager using the jumpers on the rear. This way, LFO waveforms or audio sources can be combined while maintaining the average signal level and avoiding clipping. The high-end components provide exceptional performance, making Add 2 suitable for audio, control voltages and gates/triggers.
With the bottom section's first input not in use, the top output is injected into the bottom. This allows 5 signals to be combined into 2 outputs, adding flexibility to your patching and providing a great solution to patch in stereo if you have 2 of these modules. One dedicated to a left channel and one dedicated to a right channel.
You know those modules that have a left and right input and/or output? Patch left into your left Add 2 and Right into your right Add 2, do the same with all your other stereo modules and you can now combine (or sum) all these signals together into one left output and one right output feeding towards your final mix.
You could achieve something similar with a stereo mixer, however most stereo mixers do not have the ability to set the channel gain to unity.
If you would like to save some cash, you could use only one Add 2 as you can 'break' the module into 2 by patching something into the middle output. This will provide you with 3 inputs in the top and 1 output, with underneath the top output again 3 input channels and 1 output.
The Joranalogue Add 2 provides high unity gain accuracy, a very low offset, noise and distortion. In addition to a flat bandwidth to 20 kHz. This simply means it's suitable for any signal. To keep your sound crisp the outputs are impedance-compensated, which means the effective resistance of an electric circuit or component to alternating current, arising from the combined effects of ohmic resistance and reactance is compensated to ensure top notch signal quality.
Joranalogue's Add 2 is advertised to have a bullet-proof design with polarised power header and MOSFET protection circuit. But what does this actually mean?
Polarised power headers simply relate to the connectors on your ribbon cable providing power to your module from your case. These are made in such a way that they can not be connected in the 'wrong' way. Polarization is one or more features on a connector pair that makes it impossible to mate incorrectly. Polarizing will allow mating in the correct orientation but prevent mating in any other manner.
MOSFETs are used instead of diodes in Joranalogue modules as electric protection against polarising power supplies on top of the mechanical protection from the polarised power headers. In addition to the protection method it has another advantage, there is no loss of headroom by using this technique as it can be as much as 1,5 Peak-to-peak voltage (Vpp) more efficient.
Driven by an unrelenting passion for analogue circuits, Joranalogue Audio Design offers a novel series of high-quality Eurorack music synthesiser modules. The utilitarian aesthetic envelops designs providing immense depth, versatility and precision.
Joranalogue is continually introducing new approaches and techniques to the Eurorack platform, making waves in the stagnant waters of analogue synthesis. All products are designed and made in Belgium, guided by experiences in both modern hardware engineering and vintage synthesiser servicing.
You can find their modules in our store under: https://synthesizer.nz/categories/joranalogue/
