DivKid Delivers Bleeps on a Punkish Plate

In an extended exploration, DivKid delves into the specifics of Rob Hordijk’s clever use of ring modulators. He breaks down the process where ring modulators are employed akin to VCAs, achieving a faux echo effect. It’s truly a mind-bending trick that exploits psychoacoustics to its fullest. DivKid explains how an envelope, when modulated in an inverted phase, results in our brain perceiving subsequent sounds as coming from different directions. This, of course, isn’t all instantly clear, and Hordijk himself cheekily dubbed it a ‘poor man’s delay.’ Under the hood, it’s all about syncing the envelope to manipulate phase inversion, thereby fooling our ears into hearing a non-existent reverb.

This section is an elaborate journey through various modules as DivKid extends the technique beyond Manic. With the same enthusiasm of a punk rocker diving off stage, he applies the technique to the Instruo VinCA, AtoV Project cLFO, Nekyia Circuits Ouija, and Befaco A*B+C. Each module presents its charm while adhering to the core principles of ring modulation trickery. DivKid shares his insights on how varying configurations and offsets can lead to intriguing results. But the essence remains unchanged – creating a ‘poor man’s delay’ using ring modulation is as satisfying as discovering a secret menu item at your local chippy. These explorations emphasize that while each module might flavour the sound differently, the core magic remains delightfully constant.

To wrap things up, DivKid generously offers a slice of downloadable goodness with VCV Rack patches. He shows how to implement the technique digitally, ensuring that the method is accessible even to those who prefer the virtual realm. There’s even a PDF to further dive into the details and ensure no stone is unturned. By providing these resources, DivKid empowers the community to revel in this technique, yet again proving that the world of synthesis, much like a punk gig, is open to those willing to get a bit chaotic and experimental.