If you’re ready to shake up your sound with some gritty goodness, Metamyther’s latest video is dropping knowledge bombs on the Lacrima Versio. This overlooked gem promises to turn your Eurorack setup into a sonic powerhouse, channeling the spirit of vintage autowah into the realms of industrial techno. Get ready for a deep dive into all things filters, from audio-rate modulation to screaming oscillators, courtesy of Metamyther’s inimitable style.
History and Basics
Kicking things off, Metamyther gives us a backstage pass into the history and functionality of the Lacrima Versio. This bad boy is the unsung hero of the Noise Engineering Versio family, often playing second fiddle to the more popular Desmodus. Inspired by the classic Mutron III guitar pedal, it carries a legacy of unique, gritty sound that’s perfect for both vintage and modern contexts. But what makes it special? It’s that blend of a state-variable filter with saturation and envelope following which adds a unique texture to your sound palette. According to Metamyther, some producers shy away from its autowah heritage, but they’re missing out on a piece of gear that can transform their electronic music game.
"Lacrymar Versio is a beautifully aggressive resonant filter that lands on exactly the kind of grit that I like."
Delving into the Controls
"Just a toggle."
Here’s where Metamyther rolls out the main event—walking us through the controls of this beast. If you’re imagining a standard layout, think again. You’ve got your dry/wet blend, saturation modes that toggle between pre, post, or sandwiched between the filters, and a multi-mode filter offering low, band, and high passes. Throw in an envelope follower and audio-rate modulation, and you’ve got a serious playground for sonic experimentation. Just crank up the blend and let that saturation cook—easy as pie. When Metamyther dials in the resonance and modulation, the Lacrima climbs to a screaming crescendo that’s anything but ordinary. Yeah, you heard that right; it was music to my ears seeing those simple elements unlock a symphony of sound.
Sawtooth and Synth Processing
Metamyther didn’t stop at basic controls, though. They went on to pipe a straightforward sawtooth from the Taurus Alea through the filter, turning what could be a mundane task into a masterclass on modulation. Starting with a standard low pass filter setup, Metamyther deftly shows how cranking the resonance and modulation can lead to delightfully wild results. You get this auditory cocktail where the baseline sawtooth remains while new flavors are layered on top—like a sonic margarita that’s just right for your modular setup. They wrap it up by showing how this magical module doesn’t bury the original synth sound under layers of effect but enhances it with a unique character.
Guitar and Drum Opportunities
When Metamyther transitions over to guitar processing with the ES-8, it’s clear this filter isn’t just a one-trick pony. Running guitar through the Lacrima Versio, they demonstrate the module’s versatility by churning out aggressive, processed sounds even at subtler saturation settings. Whether you’re a guitar slinger or a beatmaker, the potential for gritty, compelling audio is unmistakable. Meanwhile, the inclusion of drums highlights how it handles diverse inputs, drenching your beats in rich texture without overshadowing their fundamental grit. You won’t just hear the effect; you’ll feel it. And that, my friends, is the kind of modular magic that’ll resonate in any electronic music rig.
"There's your wah."
Filter Ping and Final Words
To wrap things up, Metamyther hits us with a filter ping example that seals the deal on Lacrima’s capabilities. Even a simple ping can illustrate the awe-inspiring range of this module, making it a worthy contender for any Eurorack aficionado searching for expressive filtering options. By leveraging its unique characteristics, you’re not just adding a filter to your rig; you’re injecting a personality that stands out in the vast sea of electronic noise. Props to Metamyther for shedding light on this underutilized gem in the Noise Engineering arsenal. If you’re looking to add some grit and attitude to your tracks, Lace up those sneakers and give the Lacrima Versio a spin.