Superbooth 21: Neuzeit Instruments is showing Quasar, a novel 3D audio mixer module with binaural algorithms and an eye-catching interface
Stereo operation has not been a major topic in Eurorack for a long time. That has changed in the last 2-3 years. More and more developers are jumping on the stereo train with exciting modules. Stereo filters were the big thing for the SB 20 Home Edition last year. This SB edition will have fewer new stereo filters, but the market of stereo modules is growing. which is a good news.
Neuzeit Instrument, a young German manufacturer will show a module for Superbooth 21 that takes stereo operation to a third dimension.
Neuzeit Instruments Quasar
Quasar is the name of the super eye-catching module from Neuzeit Instruments. Above all, the fat, illuminated knobs are impressive and will ensure that many visitors will visit the booth. Quasar doesn’t just look amazing, what it does is also very novel for a Eurorack module.
It’s a 2-channel 3D audio mixer that uses binaural algorithms. The module creates a 3D sound image of your two inputs and makes them available in two positions (A & B). The routing is flexible. Thus you can route the audio signals at I1 & I2 to either or both positions via an internal matrix mixer. Then, the coordinates of the positions can be set manually or manipulated by CV. This allows sounds to be distributed in 3D space: you have sounds orbiting around you, coming from higher up or lower down… Very impressive.
Plus, you have digital lowpass & highpass filters in every input that gives you the option to decide which frequency bands go to which position.
In addition to POS A or B, however, you can also route the sound to the center position CNTR. This takes the input signal and distributes it evenly to the left and right ears without further processing. For example, you can route the low end to the center position and have the higher frequencies distributed to the outer A and B positions
Inputs/Outputs
Quasar has two mono inputs, a stereo output on two jacks, and a headphone stereo jack. Two CV inputs offer flexible routings with multiple destinations per CV with individual amounts. This turns 3D processing into a wild adventure. In the middle of the interface, you have a crisp OLED display that simplifies the navigation and operation of the module.
The eye-catchers are the two large step-less encoders with aluminum knobs and dedicated LED rings. They give you stunning visual feedback of the parameters and settings. Turning the knobs is here even more fun. Below, you can find a mini-demo. The module works best with headphones because the algorithm basically mimics the shape of the head and pinnae which are responsible for our directional hearing. So please uses headphones to check it out. The result is impressive.
The prize for the visually most beautiful module of the Superbooth 21 probably goes to Quasar. It looks gorgeous and lovely. And the feature set of the module is very tempting.
Neuzeit Instruments Quasar will premiere at Superbooth 21 and will have a booth in the tent area (Z150). Availability & price TBA.
More information here: Neuzeit Instruments
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