truecuckoo’s Delight: Eurorack Antics at Superbooth

Biddy 8, Brainiac, Cold Splendor, Discrete, Mixed Team, Paradiddle Module

Dive into the chaotic world of modular synthesis as truecuckoo explores Schreibmaschine’s latest creations at Superbooth. From new logic modules to intriguing DIY kits, this video will electrify any synth nerd’s senses.

A Dramatic Return to the Scene

truecuckoo kicks off at Schreibmaschinen’s booth at Zuckerboot 2025, chatting with Lavendel, the mastermind behind KKE Schreibmaschinen. Lavendel is bursting back onto the scene after a hiatus, armed with reissued old modules and a stash of new creations ready to rock the Eurorack universe. He’s been busy tinkering with four new marvels set to provoke the modular masses. True to form, Lavendel’s creations link seamlessly with the Turing Machine ecosystem, offering compatibility galore. The new addition, the Mixed Team, stands out – a 32-channel mixer compressed into a tiny 4HP space, ready to unite signals like a referee at a pub brawl. With 16 channels front and 16 at the back, this mixer’s geared up for action.

"I'm coming out of hiatus after two years and bringing back a lot of new modules."

Compact Sequencing and Rhythmic Revolutions

"It's simply counting between 0 and 256 in binary."

Lavendel dives deep into the intricacies of his sequencers, those cheeky bits of kit that synth enthusiasts can’t resist. His work with 1U sequencers has been a rollercoaster of technical hurdles, but he’s nearly there, like a musician building a pyramid from kebab wrappers. Expect them on the market in a few months. Lavendel’s obsession with compact utility manifests in modules like the Biddy 8 – an 8-step trigger sequencer operating with one knob. It cycles through 256 rhythmic combinations, beckoning rhythm from chaos with a twist of the wrist. It’s analogue all the way; digital’s overcomplication is shunned like a night bus after last orders. This inventive approach extends into his logic modules, with Lavendel ever ready to distill complex patterns into minuscule packages. His latest, the Discrete, does just that – a petite problem-solver offering classic Boolean logic with a scanty two inputs, proving sometimes less is more.

Unleashing the Logic Monsters

Enter the realm of Lavendel’s logic modules, where the mad circus of soundscapes begins to dance. The Brainiac and Cold Splendor, his famed 8-input logic modules, have garnered a fanbase eager to push sound boundaries. These twisting labyrinths of logic offer endless auditory shenanigans. The focus on compactness remains, as demonstrated by the Discrete module designed for practical, two-input logical operations. It’s the kit for when you’ve just got a handful of audio Lego bricks and need to build a sound skyscraper. Whether you’re chasing that elusive Geiger counter chatter or the unmistakable hum of a Gameboy on steroids, Lavendel’s logic modules have got you covered. Send in a flurry of fast square waves, and you’re met with a robust world of game-like zips and buzzes, a pummelling of the audio senses that’s not for the faint-hearted.

"Sounds like a radioactive Geiger counter."

DIY Dreamscapes: The Tinkerer’s Paradise

Lavendel isn’t just about ready-made marvels; he’s a pioneer of DIY exploration. With his Breadboard Friends with Benefits project, he’s ushering in a new wave of modular experimentation. This venture is a love letter to the craft, enabling makers to design unique modules with ease. With his Vollkontro back panel featuring a whiteboard for panel designs and built-in power distribution, he’s creating an arena for creative chaos. From there, the possibilities are boundless. These creations usher novice and seasoned creators alike into the world of hands-on craftsmanship. Whether it’s exploring mutable instruments or crafting new guitar pedals, Lavendel’s playground encourages curiosity as much as it does expertise. Each component, each byte of power, exists to spark innovation and facilitate personal expression. If you have a 3D printer, you can even download designs to create your own little ecosystem in Lavendel’s sonic wonderland.

The Rhythmic Odyssey: From Drums to Eurorack

"I'm really excited to use this in my live case."

True to his roots as a drummer, Lavendel’s innovations stretch into rhythm modules where the paradiddle takes centre stage. The concept of classic drumming patterns translated into the Eurorack domain is a stroke of genius, elevating Lavendel’s offerings beyond the conventional. This paradiddle module isn’t just a tribute to the art of drumming; it’s a testament to the power of rhythmic experimentation. It thrives in alternate clock outputs, syncopation, and accents, offering layers of complexity and randomness. An upcoming debut, this module’s equipped with sliders and reset capabilities, inviting users to manipulate beats with a drumstick’s finesse. It’s an opportunity for percussionists and synth enthusiasts to blend those worlds in a single modular synthesis setup, playing with rhythms in ways a live stage could barely contain. Lavendel’s not standing still, and there are more drum-inspired modules in the pipeline, harmonising analogue and rhythm.

Concluding the Chaos

As the video wraps up, truecuckoo and Lavendel simmer down after a cacophony of sounds and inventions. Lavendel’s re-entry into the fray isn’t just triumphant; it signals a fresh assault on the synthesis world with fervour akin to a punk gig’s mosh pit. Synth lovers keen to trace this journey can find Schreibmaschinen’s work accessible through various platforms, from online havens to live events. Lavendel’s commitment to modular exploration is palpable, and whether it’s through DIY encounters or rhythm modules, his creations demand attention. As Lavendel dives deeper into the scene, the promise of more to come is prescient. His return is a clarion call to the synth community, and for truecuckoo’s audience, it’s a whirlwind of creativity and innovation that celebrates the vibrant chaos of modular synthesis.