Barcelona-based company Befaco has unveiled five new Eurorack modules in its utility lineup: AxB+C, Atte, Slew, Mixer, and MuDi.
Eurorack synthesizers are very comprehensive instruments. It’s best to start with a few modules that you fully understand. Then, you move on and expand the setup step by step. In addition to the usual VCO, VCF, VCA, and envelopes… every Eurorack synth needs utilities.
These are small, often affordable modules that add simple functions like a mixer or attenuator to the system, improving the workflow with control voltages or making matching more versatile. Befaco has released five new such utility modules today, one completely new and four major revisions.
Befaco AxB+C and Atte
The AxB+C, one of Befaco’s most comprehensive utilities, has been completely redesigned. It is still 6HP but offers more functionality. Like the previous version, it’s a multi-function utility that can multiplicate, add, and attenuate in a single module. Perfect for creating complex signal interactions and timbres.
It has two channels, each of which takes two input signals (A and B)m, multiplies them (A x B), and then adds a third signal (C) to the result.
Unlike in version 1, each channel (B1 B2 C1 C2) of the new Befaco AxB+C has a dedicated three-way gain switch. Plus, it has a switch that allows you to change from multiplication to mixer functionality.
The second new Befaco utility is a reworked version of its dual attenuverter module. The new ATTE module has four channels and is more than just a quad attenuator/attenuverter. It’s now a multi-function module that can attenuate, invert, split, and offset signals.
It consists of four identical unity gain amplifiers. Each amplifier can multiply an incoming signal by values ranging from 0 to 1 (for attenuation) or from 0 to -1 (for inverting attenuation).
The input of each channel is normalled to the input of the next channel, allowing for easy signal routing from one input to the subsequent ones. On top, the first channel is normalled to 10V, enabling the module to function as an offset generator when no input is connected.
Slew, Mixer, and MuDi
Besides the new AxB+C and ATTE, there are three module new modules to explore. The Slew module also has a makeover and is now 4HP instead of 6HP. Like the predecessor, it’s a voltage-controlled lag processor and slope detector.
You can use it with notes and voltage signals. You can transform stepped notes into smooth acid slides with independent speed for both upper and lower notes. Alternatively, you can use the onboard slope detector to generate gates while the output is rising or falling.
Additionally, it can convert a gate signal into an ASR envelope. Even though the new slew module is 2HP smaller, it offers a more extensive feature set. The shape control now features a range switch with three dedicated speed ranges and an assignable CV input for the rise and/or fall times.
Also, Befaco’s Mixer is making a comeback in a new version. It is now 4HP and offers four channels that accept audio and/or CV signals into one output. Each channel offers independent level control with an LED indicator on each pair, showing the presence of a signal.
Depending on the setup and connected output sockets, it can be used as a four-channel mixer or as two separate two-channel mixers, making it very flexible.
Last, MuDi is an all-new 2HP module that uses minimal rack space and is your handy clock utility module. It’s a clock multiplier, conditioner, and divider in just 2HP. To reduce the footprint, the input is a TRS jack, with the clock signal on the tip and the reset on the ring.
The first three outputs maintain the same frequency as the input, while outputs 4 to 7 provide 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, and 1/16 time divisions.
As a bonus, the modules are also available for free for VCV Rack.
First Impression
At first glance, these are excellent new utility modules from Befaco. I like that they are not super basic, but each one offers a little twist as an extra goodie.
The new Befaco utility modules (AxB+C, Atte, Slew, Mixer, and MuDi) will be available soon. I will add the prices as soon as possible.
More information here: Befaco
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