Make Noise expands its stereo module lineup with the new DXG, a new dual low pass gate designed for modular stereo systems.
Last week Make Noise released the DXG, a new dual stereo lowpass gate module. Part of the community and I asked whether the circuit was implemented in the classic, old-school way with vactrols. This could lead to potential problems in the EU/UK.
Peter from Make Noise has now denied this and reports that it uses a new low pass gate circuit that does not use vactrols at all. He says:
This circuit is 100% analog and its response was arrived at after many months tailoring it to meet or exceed the expectations that have been set by all the vactrol low pass gates that Make Noise has created over the years.
The DXG is a completely new approach which better implements the gentle single pole filtering of a low pass gate, while also emulating the slow decay and memory of the vactrol based low pass gate.
This new circuit makes possible the consistency of response necessary for versatile stereo use, while also keeping the module small and affordable so that it can be a key part of just about any modular system.
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Article From January 9th, 2024
Low pass gates are unique functions in modular synths, allowing you to create natural, organic-sounding timbres. It lowers the volume and a filter cutoff frequency simultaneously. So, a combination of both makes sounds quieter and removes part of the high-frequency content in a very natural way related to how we impact something in the real world.
This function was first found in the Buchla system and later in many west-coast-inspired synthesizers. The circuits often use vactrols to achieve these results. For example, the LPG modules from Make Noise. They are now leading these into the stereo world with the new DXG.
Make Noise DXG
The new DXG is a new dual stereo low pass gate and mixer module that follows the footsteps of the popular Optomix, RxMx, DynaMix, LxD, and the QMMG. The latter is such a hit in the Eurorack world that it sells for absurd prices on Reverb and eBay.
Unlike its predecessors, the new take on a low pass gate is specially designed for mixing stereo signals. It harmonizes great with the other stereo modules from Make Noise. Including the XPO, QPAS, Morphagene, Mimeophon, or the Superbooth 23 release Spectraphon.
DXG consists of two independent stereo lowpass gates, each with left/right inputs, and a CTRL input aka amp offset with a dedicated pot, and Make Noise’s famous strike trigger input.
It momentarily opens the LPG to its max setting and allows you to create very short percussive sounds (Buchla Bongos) using clocks, gates, or pulses.
Then, the module has a dedicated channel output section for the second lowpass gate, and an additional third AUX in, which can be used for additional gated or ungated signal combos. Finally, it has a stereo output. This is a preview, and the complete feature set will be unveiled very soon.
Knowing whether the module is based on classic Vactrols or another technology is interesting. There is a ban on importing certain vactrols into the EU and UK. To avoid problems, Tiptop Audio has redesigned the Buchla 292t quad LPG for the EU/UK.
First Impression
At first glance, it is an exciting module for every stereo setup. Especially for musicians who want to make typical Buchlaresque or more experimental sounds in stereophonic.
Make Noise DXG will be available later this month for $215 USD/248€
More information here: Make Noise
Available for pre-order at my partner
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