Traffic

Trigger-based CV controller with random modes

A powerful trigger-based CV controller, designed to take your macro oscillators to the next level. Explore new sonic territories with ease and create a complete drum set with the modules you already have.

Imagine you want to use a Plaits or a Basimilus as a kick, but you feel that this task is too small for such a beast. Maybe there is a way to modulate the BIA or the Plaits so you can also get a snare or a hi-hat from it in the same patch. In theory, you can use an 8 or 16 step sequencer to set CV values in a way that sets the module in those positions and with the rhythm that you want.

The problem with that solution is that it is very difficult to change rhythms or perform live changes like muting one of the sounds.

Using our controller, you can effectively control multiple sounds from a single oscillator using triggers, much like a preset selector. Imagine having 3 triggers that will instantly set a BIA or Plaits as a kick, snare, and hi-hat. Traffic will translate a drum sequence into CV values, these CV values will change just in time so when a kick trigger comes it will set the oscillator as a kick, and when a snare comes it will set the oscillator as a snare just in time. You can do that up to 3 triggers.

Our controller features 3 rows of 3 knobs, with each row having an output for the values of the knobs. You can select the active column of knobs using the trigger inputs. The three outputs are simultaneous, making this a 3 channel controller. Plus, the global trigger output sends a trigger whenever there is a trigger in any of the inputs, ensuring seamless synchronization of triggers and CV values.

The CV outputs will range between +-8V and can be set to unipolar as well.

So whenever a trigger comes, it will send the CV values of the knobs to the outputs and a trigger will be sent as well.

Also, because two sounds cannot trigger at the same time since we are just triggering a single voice, the trigger inputs have a priority system whenever more than one trigger is received at the same time. For traffic, the input with the highest priority is the first one, then the second, and finally the third one.

The priority system is based on the rising edge and the state of the input. This is done to keep a correct priority of sounds when using swing in our drum pattern.

The internals of Traffic use analog multiplexers. So the CV outputs are analog voltages coming from the potentiometers. When adjusting values, you won’t hear steps while moving the potentiometers.

When switching to the middle position, you get a new random rearrangement of the knobs, creating a new set of three sounds. Going back to the first position will take you back to your sounds. This position is perfect to explore new sounds or create instant breaks.

The last position, called Groove, will keep the sounds in triggers one and two and create a random loop of sounds in trigger three.

Trig 3 will output a new combination of CVs in a loop of 16 steps. The sounds from the previous mode will be inherited, so it keeps musical coherence.

Because you may want to loop a different number of sounds, you can configure the trigger 2 input as a reset input by moving up the config switch number two on the back. Whenever you make a change on the config switches, you’ll need to switch on and off the module for the changes to take place. This change will only affect the Groove mode.

There is a little surprise inside each Traffic. We ship an alternate firmware that can be activated from the configuration switches on the back, no need for cables or computers. This firmware will activate a whole different module using the same hardware. We call this module Water.

Watch it in action:

https://jasmineandolivetrees.com/products/traffic