Kaona Sisyphus is a new granular filter module for Eurorack that uniquely combines granular synthesis with custom filtering modes.
For the Synthesizer world to evolve, we need new synthesis options and ways of manipulating sounds beyond the classic subtractive elements. Innovative concepts appear every year.
For example, Belgian developer Klavis introduced Grainity in 2023, a module that combines granular synthesis with filtering. A form of filter that has never existed before. Kaona from France shows his take on a granular filter with the upcoming Sisyphus module.
Kaona Sisyphus
Sisyphus melts a granular engine and a palette of eight original filters in a new 24HP Eurorack module. Both granular and filter elements are fully editable on the front panel interface.
Kaona takes a different approach to the Sisyphus than Klavis does to the Grainity, making it difficult to compare the two. For example, Grainity is mono, and Sisyphus is stereo.
You can route your signals in the module via the stereo input (L/R). From there, they are continuously sampled and segmented into buffers. Kaona explains that each segment is analyzed, filtered, and then extracted to become a grain.
Like in a traditional granular processor, you can tweak the grains in detail, including their length, the interval between them, their density, and more.
Exciting here is the pattern knob that organizes grains in pre-defined, adjustable patterns. You can switch between various scenarios of how grains are organized internally.
Unique Granular Filtering
Then, the filter comes into play, and it’s not placed right behind the granular processor. It’s more unique and is part of the granular engine.
According to Kaona, the Sisyphus stereo filter is integrated into the grain-generation process. Each grain carries the filtering characteristics the musician defines and will be combined with others according to evolving configurable patterns.
The module features many colorful, original filters. Kaona promises that these are developed in-house without using typical filter libraries. You can choose between 12dB lowpass, highpass, and bandpass modes and notch, peak, comb, Karplus Strong, and Moog-style Ladder filter modes.
Kaona Sisyphus has four CV inputs, allowing you to control the four main parameters with CV: grain length, density, cutoff, and resonance. Good, you can modify this using an external file on an SD card. So, you can assign other parameters to the CV input. Plus, you can adjust the LED brightness and more.
So far, there is only a tiny sound demo where you can get a first impression of the module’s sound.
First Impression
I like it when developers try out new ideas. Sisyphus is just such a module. At first, I thought it would go the same route as Klavis Grainity, but the concept is different. How versatile and inspiring this combination of granular and filter will be here remains to be seen in other sound demos and deeper tests.
Kaona Sisyphus is available now for pre-order with a 20% OFF early-bird offer for 393,60€. The regular price is 492€, and the module will start shipping in March 2025.
More information here: Kaona
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