BlaknBlu Oscar Tria is a new feature-rich stereo digital oscillator module with chords, super saw, and swarm modes.
When I entered the Eurorack world almost 11 years ago, everyone wanted analog sound. Digital modules were still a concept too associated with plugins, etc. In the last five years (estimate), there has been a major digital leap, primarily due to ever-improving DSPs.
Effects, filters, oscillators, sequencers, and much more can be found digitally. BlaknBlu from England demonstrates that you can design digital modules that look analogous to the layout. I initially assumed they were analog modules, but they are actually digital. As the French say, the new BlaknBlu Oscar Tria is also numérique.
BlaknBlu Oscar Tria
Oscar Tria is a new 10HP stereo oscillator for Eurorack. The layout will certainly look familiar to some. The Oscar DSF and the Foxtrot Duo filter used the same one. So, I suspect that all these modules are based on the same DSP platform but using a different algorithm.
BlaknBlu Oscar Tria has a digital core with a multimode engine coded with three colors on the front panel: green, yellow, and orange.
Let’s start with the green mode, which is described as traditional and consists of a stereo oscillator with three waveforms (saw, triangle, square) and continuous waveform morphing. For additional fun, you have pulse width modulation (PWM) through zero FM and hard sync.
Then, you can add a square wave sub-oscillator with one octave below and a sub-sub two octaves below the main oscillators. Plus, you can detune one oscillator for a richer stereo image. Alternatively, you can sum the two outputs (L/R), and you get two oscillators with two subs for a fatter sound.
The second mode, aka yellow mode of the BlaknBlu Oscar Tria, turns the waveforms into a swarming super oscillators—yes, super-saw, super-square, and super triangle plus a sub.
According to the developer, you can precisely control the number of oscillators and create a super-generator with up to 24 oscillators. Don’t forget, it’s a stereo oscillator, so you get 12 oscillators on each side.
Chords
Further, you have an orange mode that unlocks the chord engine with 20 selectable chords. You can select which chord you want and how many notes are played (over two octaves).
CV control allows you to set pitch and chord independently so that you can set up a polyphonic sequence, for instance. Again, the output is stereo with detune control of one output.
On the panel, you have knobs and switches for navigating and tweaking the multi-level engine. On the I/O side, you have three CV inputs (2x AUX and PWM), an FM input, a 1v/oct, and two mono outputs (L/R), which are also placed oddly in the middle.
First Impression
At first glance, it is an intriguing new stereo oscillator with a lot of scope yet still easy to use. However, a sound demo of the newest BlaknBlu family member is currently missing.
BlaknBlu Oscar Tria is available now for £241.67 + shipping.
More information here: BlaknBlu
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