Category Archives: Eurorack

Grendel Formant Filter V2.2

We have brought back the Grendel Formant Filter eurorack module for 2022. This voltage-controlled analog filter effect produces vowel tones by subtractive synthesis using a bank of four bandpass filters. Version 2.2 is available now and features several choice updates. The control panel now comes in your choice of brushed anodized aluminum in silver or black. Electronically, this version now includes a 3-way Mode switch offering a convenient bypass function, as well as the new MODE 2 which adds a 5th analog filter to the effect for fuller bass response. MODE 1 is very similar to the sound of the original.

Grendel DC-2, Formant Filter, RA-99 Grenadier

Key of C minor, tempo 84 BPM.
This synth demonstration from Rare Waves uses the Grendel DC-2 as a tone source. Grendel Formant Filter provides vowel filtering, and Grendel RA-99 Grenadier is performing the LFO duties. Rare Waves Hydronium is used as a MIDI-CV converter to set the pitch of the DC-2’s oscillators. In the picture you also see a prototype Polyphonic Strobe Tuner, which provides a real-time pitch analysis. Also heard in the mix are our prototypes of a Surf Sound Synthesizer and Spring Reverb.

Grendel DC-2

Hydronium Eurorack voice module: new from Rare Waves!

Rare Waves Hydronium analog synthesizer is now available in Eurorack format, as a DIY kit ($225) or pre-assembled ($359).  Hydronium is a high quality electronic music instrument with “the works” – MIDI and CV-Gate control + semi-modular patachability.  Its great tone and playability will invite you to stay up late making tracks!

Drone Commander 2 Standalone in Custom Colors

The Drone Commander 2 Standalone is now available in custom tolex color finishes!

custom colors DC2e case

Drone Commander 2 Standalone

dc2e comp

We’ll soon be offering the Grendel DC-2e Drone Commander 2 in a standalone format. It comes with a custom fitted Eurorack case. The case features a removable lid, tolex vinyl covering, and convenient power supply. Orange and black finish are standard options; custom colors available by request.

Drone Funk

Synthesizer demo with Grendel DC-2e Drone Commander 2 Eurorack and Grendel RA-9 Grenadier. Two tracks of DC-2e, one track of RA-9, plus a touch of mystery synth. Grendel synthesizers are available from I/O Music Technology, Detroit Modular, Switched On, NoiseBug, Perfect Circuit Audio, Analogue Haven, Noise Kitchen, and SchneidersLaden.

Triple Grendel synth jam

Demonstrating some sounds you can get with the Grendel DC-2e Eurorack voice modules, and the Grendel RA-9 Grenadier. And a third, mystery synth!

Grendel synthesizers are available from I/O Music Technology, Detroit Modular, Switched On, NoiseBug, Perfect Circuit Audio, Analogue Haven, Noise Kitchen, SchneidersLaden.

DC-2e and RA-9

Demoing the Grendel RA-9 Grenadier and DC-2e Drone Commander 2.  A sequenced LFO effect is obtained by patching the Grenadier’s sequencer output to the LFO CV input of DC-2e.  The track was composed with MIDI in Reaper DAW software, using a 4-channel MIDI-to-CV converter to interface the analog intruments.  The analog snare drum and bass drum are new prototype designs in development here at Rare Waves…

Grendel DC-2e Eurorack

In stores now!

This video walks through getting started with the Grendel DC-2e Drone Commander 2, beginning with using the Main Module by itself (0:30). Next, see how to control it from a MIDI keyboard, using the Expander module and a MIDI-CV converter (3:40).

A self-patch that gives additional filter modulation is demonstrated (5:35). After that, one of the MIDI-CV converter’s auxiliary CV outputs is patched in to control DC-2e’s LFO rate with the MIDI mod wheel (7:00).

The next section demonstrates VCF 1’s self-oscillation (8:35), including how to cancel the filter’s self-oscillation so only the dry tone of the VCOs is heard (9:50). Then, VCF 1 is set up as a third oscillator, creating a constant-pitched drone note to accompany melody played on the VCOs (10:50).

Last, some examples of pitch modulation using the MOD knob are shown (11:40), leading to full-on crazy town.