Integrate Eurorack Systems With Other Gear

US Noise Engineering's Nive Grad level-shifting utility makes it easier 20/11/23

Noise Engineering, known for their hybrid approach to modular synthesizer design, has announced Nive Grad, which they describe as a compact and inexpensive level-shifting utility designed to integrate Eurorack systems with other gear.

Designed for simplicity and straightforward patching, Nive Grad has two sections, each with two channels, for stereo or dual-mono use. The top section is designed for amplification, adding +12dB or +24dB to a signal--values designed to take line-level or guitar-level signals up to Eurorack levels respectively. The input is high impedance, making it suitable for use with passive guitars. The bottom section attenuates signals by -12dB or -24dB to connect Eurorack sources to pedals, recorders, or line-level effects. According to Noise Engineering, these fixed gain adjustments work well for most external gear, which allowed them to keep the design simple--it's just 4HP--and, in turn, the cost low.

The team says the inspiration for the module came from users, including themselves. Earlier this year, Noise Engineering released Xer Mixa, their take on a comprehensive system mixer. Nive Grad was designed to be the simple piece that would allow users to mix external synths and drum machines into Xer Mixa, as well as to integrate pedals into an FX send. Although designed with Xer Mixa in mind, Noise Engineering is quick to point out that it can be used with any Eurorack setup.

Pricing and Availability:

Nive Grad: In stock in black and silver. Shipping from Noise Engineering and retailers starting November 16th, 2023; MSRP US$160

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