Maverick Synth Makers: Beast Tek

The largest synth companies concern themselves with market trends; balancing creativity and innovation with commercial viability - products that will sell in decent numbers. But for smaller, niche makers, innovation takes precedence, as does the attitude of making the instruments that they themselves would like to use. Often, the results can be startling!

Beast Tek

This Australian maker specialises in unique super lo-fi, glitch, noise and rhythm computer eurorack modules.

Breathe new life into your eurorack modular with brand new experimental sounds that haven't been heard before!

They make various, inventive pre-built or DIY modules; oscillators, algorithmic sequencers and complex LFO's - but I personally love two of their drum modules, the Pixel Drum & Irukandji Glitch Drum.

Each of these modules boasts multiple drum algorithms. The main differences between them relate to fidelity and the selection of algorithms available. Starting with the 12-bit Pixel Drum, there's 32 algorithms (Kicks, Snares, Videogame Wavetables, XOR, Distortions, Buffer Glitches, etc) with 3 parameters each - and the first parameter usually chooses 1 of 16 waveforms as a foundation for the timbre - leading to endless combinations. There's a flexible envelope which affects the timbre and amplitude of the drum hit and some comprehensive triggering options. This demo video showcases many timbral possibilities:

The 8-bit "Grain Table" Irukandji Glitch Drum works a little differently. Although the module boasts an internal VCA, the noise floor of this *true 8-bit device is so noticeable that you will likely need an external envelope and VCA. No matter, because the Glitch Drum is worth the extra effort. Instead of the "32 algorithms plus waveform choice" paradigm of the Pixel drum, we get no less than 1000 algorithm choices here plus, an endless VCO mode! There's 2 parameters for each of these covering FM, Waveshaping, Buffer Overrun & Delay Glitches, Chiptune Arpeggiation, PWM, XOR & Detuned Drones. Check out some of the sounds here:

*ATMEGA1284P based; 8-bit RISC micro-controller - 24Khz Sample Rate

These have fast become some of my favourite modules for spontaneous, surprising percussive results. Pick a number, twist the dials, patch in some modulation and the results are always interesting!

More information: Home

Beast Tek Sales/Contact: Sales/Contact

Posted by MagicalSynthAdventure an expert in synthesis technology from last Century and Amiga enthusiast.

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