Empress Effects ZOIA
A completely modular effects pedal — or synthesizer, depending on how you use it. Permits stereo in/out (or two of each in mono) and CV in/out (configurable). The only limitations are imagination and CPU usage.
Resources
Patch notes
Turing Machine
To imitate the Music Thing Turing Machine, we use a ring of sample and hold modules as our shift register. The output of the last is fed into both the output and an input switch. The switch is controlled by a comparator whose inputs are the write probability (positive) and a triggered random value (negative). When the latter exceeds the former, the ring continues to loop unchanged; otherwise, a new note is inserted into the start of the loop. Thanks to the module's versatile I/O options, the final output can be sent to an oscillator, a MIDI device, or through the control port as CV.
Unlike the Turing Machine, the number of steps is hardcoded into the patch and cannot be adjusted on the fly (yet). The user can adjust the write probability, clock (which can also be taken from outside the module), and quantization options. It's also a good idea to constrain the quantizer's input to keep the output from swinging too wildly.
An alternative idea would be to use a sequencer as the shift register. This arrangement requires a connection to each step of the sequence, but it allows us to dynamically adjust the number of steps (and program an initial sequence).
Module reference
Interface modules
Physical I/O for audio, MIDI, UI, and CV.
Audio input
Audio output
MIDI notes in
MIDI pitch bend
MIDI CC in
MIDI pressure
MIDI clock in
MIDI CC out
MIDI PC out
MIDI note out
MIDI clock out
Stompswitch
Pixel
UI button
Pushbutton
Device control
Controls the pedal's bypass state, performance mode, or stomp aux mode based on CV.
Keyboard
Turns grid buttons into a playable keyboard. Each button can be tuned to any note.
Cport exp/CV in
Accepts input from an expression pedal or external CV source. The CPort setting must be set according to the input.
Cport CV out
Sends 0–5 V on the ring of the control port depending on the input value. CPort must be set to CV mode in the config menu.
Audio modules
These modules generate or modify audio signals. Unlike typical hardware modular, audio modules cannot operate on CV signals (and vice versa).
Oscillator
VCA
SV filter
Multi-filter
Delay line
Audio panner
Pitch shifter
Audio balance
Audio mixer
Inverter
Audio in switch
Audio out switch
All pass filter
Noise
Audio multiply
Bit crusher
Aliaser
1 buffer delay
Looper
Granular
Stereo spread
Bit modulator
Diffuser
Control modules
CV generation and operation modules.
LFO
Sequencer
ADSR
Sample and hold
CV invert
CV rectify
Value
Trigger
CV flip flop
CV delay
CV loop
CV filter
Clock divider
Comparator
In switch
Out switch
Slew limiter
Quantizer
Steps
Multiplier
Like a VCA for CV signals.
Random
Rhythm
Tap to CV
CV mixer
Analysis modules
These modules create CV signals from audio.
Onset detector
Env follower
Pitch detector
Effect modules
Standard guitar-type effects. It should be possible to assemble most, if not all, of these from the above components.