Venus Instruments Veno-Orbit is a new polyphonic experimental sampler module for Eurorack, with multi-layer looping.
This year’s Machina Bristronica was a while ago now, and we’re slowly drawing to a close. There was a preview of a new sampler module, the details of which are now known, and it’s also nearing completion.
Venus Instruments, developers of the lovely Veno Echo, announces the Veno-Orbit, a new sampler/looper module designed for live use.
Venus Instruments Veno-Orbit
Veno-Orbit is a new dual-channel, polyphonic, experimental sampler/looper module for Eurorack, designed for live recording and manipulation of audio and CV.
The module features two independent varispeed looper channels with four layers that can be cross-faded between each other. You can loop 1 minute at 1x speed on each side. It makes full-stereo looping to Frippertronics-style patching and beyond possible.
Each channel offers controls for start, length, and speed with dedicated CV inputs. Once recorded and looped, you can re-pitch, scrub, jump the play head, and crop on the fly. Everything can be done in real-time without stopping the loop.
It’s also possible to turn your samples into playable instruments by using the layer crossfade function and the built-in attack and release envelopes. Alternatively, trigger one-shot samples from any layer polyphonically to create clusters of sounds.
Neat, you can also map the samples across a keyboard via MIDI and play chords with your oscillators in no time.
CV Looper
It’s exciting that the looper supports both audio and CV looping. Enable the DC-coupling mode and capture and playback CV, whether it be modulation, envelopes, or even pitch sequences.
The module’s inputs and outputs track V/oct accurately, and adjustable slew limiters can be used to add portamento. It’s also very flexible how you can configure the channels. You can, for example, use two audio channels, two CVs, or a mixture of audio and CV.
Thus, you can have one channel for audio and another for modulation. opening the door for self-patching fun.
Another neat feature is the ability to quantize your recording to an external clock, effectively slicing the sample into equal-length sections determined by the clock frequency. There is also a record detection function that captures the first transient of your audio.
According to Venus Instruments, Veno-Orbit is a hands-on sampler with a 1-knob-per-function interface, no menus, and an intuitive LED feedback system.
On the connection side, it features stereo in and out on two mono jacks each, as well as CV inputs for the main parameters (start, length, pitch). Plus, you have gate inputs for play, record, and reverse, as well as EOC (end of cycle) outputs.
Samples (48kHz, 16-bit) can be stored and recalled from a microSD card with 64 presets across eight banks.
First Impression
The new Veno Orbit looks very promising at first glance. I’m always skeptical of Eurorack samplers because they’re often very menu-heavy or function-key-obsessed modules. This one looks different and has more hands. I’m very curious to see more demos of it.
Venus Instruments Veno-Orbit is available for pre-order for $649/£529.00.
More information here: Venus Instruments
Available for pre-order from my partners
Be the first to comment