SynthFest France 2026: Hell Modular has introduced two new 5U modules: the East Coast VCO and the PPG Lowpass filter.
Yesterday, Liquid Sky Artistcollective and Hell Modular announced the remake of the PPG 300 system. This isn’t the only news from Hell Modular at SynthFest France 2026.
In addition, Hell Modular is launching a new series of 5U modules. The first two are the East VCO and the PPG Lowpass Filter.
Hell Modular 5U Modules
The first two Hell Modular 5U modules are a VCO and a filter. Neither are Moog Modular clones. So, something newer for the 5U synth market.
The first module is the Hell VCO706 East Coast VCO, an analog performance oscillator that is fully dotcom-compatible for easy integration into existing setups.
According to the developer Cornel Hecht, its neo-vintage sound combines the character of classic late-1970s performance oscillators with modern precision. This includes stable tuning, powerful bass, and aggressive sync sounds, while preserving the lively, organic character of analog synthesis.
The East Coast VCO features a single 1v/oct trackable oscillator with classic waveforms: sawtooth, rectangle, triangle, and sine.
The range goes from LFO regions up to 4 octaves and can be tweaked with the dedicated switch, pitch, and interval controls. Then, pulse-width modulation is possible with the center control and via the dedicated socket and attenuator.
Hard sync is also onboard, allowing the oscillator to be reset by an external signal, perfect for all these lovely, aggressive, sharp sounds. An additional sync output (square wave) allows the module to act as a master oscillator in sync configurations.
All waveforms are available in parallel at dedicated outputs and can be used simultaneously. Besides these, you have two CV inputs with attenuators.
PPG Lowpass Filter
The two 5U modules from the Hell Modular series are somewhat more special and less well-known. Hell Modular VCF1002 is a faithful recreation of the core signal processing chain from the legendary PPG 1002 Synthesizer from 1975.
It features an audio mixer, a dedicated noise source, a classic 24dB lowpass filter, and a discrete VCA in one 5U module.
The top section starts with two audio inputs designed for processing external oscillators or other sound sources with the filter.
Next to this is an analog noise generator with an adjustable level, mixed into the filter input – great for adding grit, hiss, and more to your sounds. A highlight is here, the filter.
The PPG filter is a 24dB/octave lowpass filter with cutoff and character controls. The latter is the resonance that controls the emphasis at the cutoff frequency. Important: it’s not a clone/replica of a classic Moog Ladder filter. It has a distinct character:
Unlike the saturated ladder filters of its era, the PPG 24dB Lowpass is renowned for its clarity and “Character.” It remains musical even at high resonance settings, providing a sharp, defined edge that made the 1002 a favorite for precise, cutting lead sounds and deep, controlled basses.
From here, the signal is routed through a discrete VCA circuit modeled exactly after the 1002 original. It has controls for the gain and the CV amount. Crank up the gain control, and you get drones.
On the connection side, you have two audio inputs, two CV inputs with attenuators, a VCA CV input, and a VCF output.
First Impression
While many new Eurorack companies have flooded the market in recent years, the number of 5U companies has dwindled. It’s great to see a new German company trying to breathe some new life into the 5U world.
The PPG VCF-102 Lowpass Filter is certainly a module that hasn’t been available since the original PPG 300.
Hell Modular 5U modules are available now for pre-order. The East Coast VCO for 666€ + VAT + shipping. The estimated delivery time is approximately 6 weeks.
More information here: PPG (Hell Modular) / Liquid Sky Artistcollective
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