Quartz 4

Drum machine in VCV rack

2 min read

Let’s make drums in VCV rack using only the stock modules

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKe5joVkvm4 Channel: Your Pal Rob

Simulate a kick

  • Trigger source = SEQ 3
  • VCO
  • VCA
  • 2 envelopes
  • mixer

  1. Connect the VCO sine wave to the input of the VCA.

  2. Trigger source from SEQ 3 will provide gate for both envelopes. One envelope output goes into VCA CV input. Other envelope output goes into input 1 of mixer.

  3. Mix output patched to VCO v/oct input. 500

  4. Adjust the envelopes: reduce att, dec and sus all the way down on both ADSRs. Turn mixer slider 1 down until you hear something.

  5. Turn VCO knob down until the sound is right.

  6. Adjust release on ADSRs to get the right sound.

Simulate a high hat

  • Trigger source = SEQ 3
  • VCA
  • VCF
  • Noise source
  • ADSR
  • LFO
  • Random
  1. Trigger into gate input of ADSR.
  2. Envelope of ADSR into CV input of VCA.
  3. Noise ouput into input of VCA.
  4. Ouput of VCA goes into the filter.
  5. HPF output of filter into Audio module.
  6. Reduce att, dec and sus all the way down. Give it just a bit of release.
  7. Turn filter cutoff on VCF up a bit.
  8. Press RUN on SEQ 3.

600

  1. You can use LFO and a Random module to control the release of the ADSR to get an open high-hat effect.
    1. Connect LFO sine wave output to release of ADSR. Turn up the attenuverter a bit.
    2. Connect the Smooth output of the Random module to the FM of the LFO. Turn of the attenuverter. Adjust the Random parameters to taste.

Simulate a snare

  • Trigger source = SEQ 3
  • VCA
  • VCF
  • Noise source
  • ADSR
  1. Trigger of SEQ 3 to gate input of ADSR.
  2. Envelope out of ADSR to CV input of VCA.
  3. Noise source into input on VCA.
  4. Output of VCA goes into the filter.
  5. LPF output goes into the Audio module.
  6. Turn VCF cutoff up. Drive a bit down.
  7. ADSR: att, dec, sus all the way down. Release down a little bit.

Connect all three to the same Audio output via a Mixer Add a DELAY module for cool effects Add a Midi map module and use an external midi controller to turn knobs and sliders

VCV patch file:

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