Category: Modular

Neutral Labs PIP – DIY Build

Neutral Labs PIP - DIY Build

Neutral Labs PIP is two morph-able CV generators/complex LFOs in 8 HP that can be synced to each other in predefined ratios, unsynced or phase-shifted between each other. The module also allows you to record, morph and time-stretch your own external CV or knob movements. Like the NIJEL, PIP is an easy kit to build: It comes with most of the components pre-soldered. You will only have to solder pots, LEDs, buttons, as well as some jacks and sockets, so there is very little room for error with this build. Let’s get on with it … 

To start off, you will want to place the IC socket as well as the power header. You can place these parts and then flip the board over to tack down one pin. Adjust and reheat if needed. Once you have these in place, solder the rest of the pins into place. After completing this, mount the 4 switches on the front of the PCB. Do not solder them yet though. 

PIP - Completed Front

Neutral Labs NIJEL – DIY Build

Neutral Labs NIJEL - DIY Build

When it comes to distortion, Neutral Labs understands it, and harnesses it. They have done that again with their new module, NIJEL which uses the “nut” cards or other components to change the sound of the waveforms ran through the module.

NIJEL is an extremely easy kit to build: It comes with most of the components pre-soldered. You will only have to solder a pot, a spacer, some sockets and headers, so there is very little room for error. Enough with all of that though, let’s get on with the build. 

Completed Nijel

Cereal Instruments BINARY and RESOLUTION – DIY Builds

Cereal Instruments BINARY and RESOLUTION - DIY Builds

Cereal_Instruments_LOGO__Text

We decided to do a few things a little different this month by not only having more than 1 build/review, but having 4 by one company… Cereal Instruments. Their utility modules are something that every rack should have in them. We use them all of the time not only for performance but for recording or just jamming. Check out the latest builds of the Cereal Instruments BINARY and RESOLUTION.

BINARY

The Cereal Instruments binary is a dual gang attenuator that allows you to attenuate two signals with one knob. This 4HP passive module is pretty self explanatory and the controls are simple.

Knob A controls the attenuation of the signals passing through the ‘a’ inputs and outputs, whereas knob b controls the attenuation of the signals passing through the inputs and outputs of the ‘b’ jacks. 


Cereal Instruments SWERVE and RAZE – DIY Builds

Cereal Instruments SWERVE and RAZE - DIY Builds

Cereal_Instruments_LOGO__Text

We decided to do a few things a little different this month by not only having more than 1 build/review, but having 4 by one company… Cereal Instruments. Their utility modules are something that every rack should have in them. We use them all of the time not only for performance but for recording or just jamming. Check out the latest builds of the Cereal Instruments SWERVE and RAZE.

SWERVE

The Cereal Instruments swerve is a passive dual performer switch with mute buttons built in. You can toggle between sides with the toggle switches or temporarily mute one side or the other.

Jacks are either in’s or outs and are labeled simply as “a” or “b”. One thing to note is that this 2021 edition of swerve is not the same as Cereal Instruments earlier release of ‘swerve’ (which can be found here). This swerve is a performing switch whereas the other ‘swerve’ was a rotary switch that you could route cv, or effects to other modules.