This Intellijel 7U 104HP Performance case contains a number of modules that together can create lovely musical sequences with drum machine accompaniment, as well as provide additional modulation for the SynQuaNon Studio Case.
Timing and Syncopation
An Erica Synths Black VC Clock is the beating heart that everything is synced to, while a Doepfer A-160-2 Clock Trigger/Divider creates all the necessary subdivisions, including those necessary for poly-rhythms.
Five different sequencing options are available, including the Tubbutec 6equencer-1U (a Roland TR-606 inspired drum sequencer), RYK Modular M185 Sequencer, Wavefonix 8-Step Sequencer, BASTL Instruments Knit Rider, and Div Kid RND STEP. Together these can generate wonderfully creative (and human sounding) patterns and rhythms.
An Intellijel µMIDI 1U provides all the essentials to control and sync this modular case from a computer, iPhone/iPad, or hardware MIDI device with a minimum of fuss. It can also serve as the Master Clock.
Voices
Instrument voices are created using the QU-Bit Electronics Surface (Multi-Timbral Physical Modeling Voice), the NANO Modules ONA Analog Multifunctional Oscillator, and the incredible Black Corporation Deckard's Voice (inspired by the legendary Yamaha CS-80. These cover all symphonic or band instruments besides the drums.
To insure that the voices play notes in perfect harmony, two quantizers are included: Mosaic Quantizer and Intelligel µScale. These are used to process the various CV outputs from the sequencer tracks.
A System80 JOVE (Roland Jupiter-6 inspired multi-mode filter) is used to frequency modulate the voices as necessary.
Percussion
The percussion section is comprised of an Erica Synths Pico Drums (a dual drum/sampler module) and a BASTL Instruments Tea Kick with accompanying BASTL Instruments Skis II Envelope Controller. In addition, the QU-Bit Surface can produce percussion sounds as well.
Output
A key performance-oriented module is the Steady State Fate Muton, an 8-channel cascading analog summing mixer with clickless mutes. The mutes are particularly handy for punching in voices and drums at different points in a song.
Needless to say, one can compose an infinite variety of "backup band" sounds to accompany the SynQuaNon Hexaphonic Guitar Effects Processor.
Inspiration for this Eurorack combination came after attending a Pat Metheny concert, where he showcased his Orchestrion mechanical "backup band". It was a mind-blowing experience, particularly because the Orchestrion was able to play along with Pat in perfect harmony! I highly recommend you witness this yourself.