synthanatomy’s Dive into BVR Instruments’ Hi-Hats: Punk Chaos Meets Vintage Vibes

A Classic Twist on a Vintage Legend

At SynthFest France 2025, our trusted guide into the chaotic realm of electronic sound, synthanatomy, presents the latest offering from BVR Instruments. Enter the Hi-Hats module, a beast with dual voices inspired by none other than the Roland CR-78. This isn’t some knock-off, though. BVR Instruments has taken a classic framework and injected it with modern twists, focusing on the percussive power of both open and closed hi-hats. It’s all entirely analogue, beloved by punk purists who savour the roughness of earthy sounds. From bark to bite, these hi-hats straddle the line between nostalgia and novelty, offering both metallic and noise sources. It’s like taking a vintage motorbike and fitting it with a turbocharger. Bruno, BVR’s maestro, was keen to highlight how this module builds on their previous work with a nod and a wink to its less successful forebears.

Analog Anarchy in Eurorack Form

Bruno from BVR Instruments doesn’t pull any punches with their latest creation – and synthanatomy captures every gritty detail. At its core, the Hi-Hats module is a fest of pure analogue delight. Blending the classic with the contemporary, it combines noise, metallic sources, and even external input capabilities. The result? A module that’s less about gentle tapping and more about full-on rhythmic assault. The dual voice system – one for open and one for closed hi-hats – is a stroke of genius, allowing for an intricate percussive performance that’s as if you’ve handed a drum kit to a wild animal. Synthanatomy revels in this complexity, clearly enjoying the brutalist nature of the design. The module doesn’t just replicate; it reinvents the experience of the CR-78 while keeping its gutsy character intact.

"it's a fully analog voice"

© Screenshot/Quote: Synthanatomy (YouTube)

Customisation and Control: A Match Made in Sonic Heaven

Ever wondered how much control you can wrestle from a couple of squares and some noise? BVR gives you that answer. Synthanatomy puts the spotlight on the Hi-Hats’ ability to be moulded like sonic clay. It’s all in the mix – you’ve got control over the metallic versus noise source ratio, which is a bit like balancing a pint in one hand while dodging elbows at a live gig; it requires finesse. Under synthanatomy’s scrutiny, the module shouts its versatility, from delicate shakers to aggressive metallic strikes. Moreover, there’s a comprehensive array of controls over contour, resonance, and filters, that make this module a bit of a wild card. The Hi-Hats don’t just play by the rules; they redefine them. This unpredictability is music to the ears of any experimental artiste.

Auditory Showcase: Anarchy on Stage

When it’s time for demonstration, synthanatomy doesn’t disappoint. The sound demo is as thrilling as a punk gig in a dim-lit, beer-soaked basement. They gave listeners a taste of the Hi-Hats’ might – weaving through a tapestry of sharp snares and clapping sounds. Plus, the way the Hi-Hats integrate with a full drum rack, including the bass drum and snare, extends the module’s reach like a sonic octopus. It’s all controlled meticulously by a TS-1 sequencer, ensuring that not a single beat is lost to chaos. The historic CR-78 essence lingers throughout, but with a beefed-up robustness and unpredictability that only a modern handmade module can deliver. Synthanatomy’s showcase underlined not just the Hi-Hats’ musical potential but also its character, solidifying its place as a performer’s secret weapon crafted for sabotaging the ordinary.

Worth the Quid? Price and Availability

For gear that brings such raw energy to the table, you expect a sharp price tag. Surprisingly, BVR Instruments keeps it accessible. As synthanatomy points out, the Hi-Hats will set you back 229 quid, which is a steal for what you’re getting. These are not mass-produced off the back of a lorry but meticulously crafted pieces, available exclusively through BVR’s website. It’s like finding a rare vinyl in a dusty second-hand record shop. In the competitive Eurorack domain, it’s refreshing to see such quality not priced to the moon. synthanatomy’s feature proves that high-end doesn’t have to mean inaccessible. With these Hi-Hats, BVR isn’t just selling a module; they’re offering an experience and inviting you to the front row of the wildest gig Eurorack has ever hosted.