Confundo Funkitus#

Four-part probabilistic rhythm crossfader

Overview#

Confundo Funkitus crossfades between two sets of four rhythms using probability. Three different probability curves can be selected to control the behavior of the crossfader. Per-part switch mutes are included with live performance in mind.

  • Type: Rhythm Crossfader
  • Size: 12HP Eurorack
  • Depth: .8 inches
  • Power: 2x5 Eurorack
  • +12 V: 50 mA (20 mA when using 5 V supply)
  • -12 V: 11 mA
  • 5 V: 20 mA (optional)

Input & output voltages#

Confundo Funkitus's trigger inputs trigger at about 2.5 V, and output about 6 V. The Burn and XCV CV inputs have a 0 V to 5 V range.

Power#

Power connector

To power your Noise Engineering module, turn off your case. Plug one end of your ribbon cable into your power board so that the red stripe on the ribbon cable is aligned to the side that says -12 V and each pin on the power header is plugged into the connector on the ribbon. Make sure no pins are overhanging the connector! If they are, unplug it and realign.

Line up the red stripe on the ribbon cable so that it matches the white stripe and/or -12 V indication on the board and plug in the connector.

Screw your module into your case before powering on the module. You risk bumping the module's PCB against something metallic and damaging it if it's not properly secured when powered on.

You should be good to go if you followed these instructions. Now go make some noise!

A final note. Some modules have other headers -- they may have a different number of pins or may say "not power". In general, unless a manual tells you otherwise, do not connect those to power.

Interface#

Illustration of Confundo Funkitus's interface

Inputs 1-4 left
These are gate inputs that feed into the crossfader core. They represent the rhythm that will have 100% probability when the crossfader is fully left.
Inputs 1-4 right
These are gate inputs that feed into the crossfader core. They represent the rhythm that will have 100% probability when the crossfader is fully right.
Outputs 1-4
Where the combined rhythm emerges. Each output is a probabilistic combination of its two similarly numbered inputs.
Mutes 1-4
These switches mute their respective output channels.
Curve

Three probability modes are available to set the probability function used by the crossfader. The behavior is best understood by discussing what happens when XFADE is centered.

Up symbol In this position both parts have 100% probability in the center. This is equivalent to adding them together.

Middle symbol In this position each part has a 50% probability when the crossfader is in the center: the output rhythm is an equal blend of each part.

Down symbol In this position the output rhythm is silent when the crossfader is in the center. This allows either rhythm to be faded to silence.

XFADE
XFADE is the heart of the Confundo Funkitus. Its position, along with the current Curve mode, controls the probability that an individual input gate will be sent to the output.
XCV
XCV grants CV control over the XFADE controller. XCV is additive with the XFADE control and allows XCV to be unipolar, bipolar and negative unipolar, depending on XFADE's position. If XFADE is fully left, XCV acts as a unipolar input. When centered, it acts as bipolar. When fully right, it becomes a negative unipolar input.
BURN
Burn is a button and gate input that pushes all 8 inputs to their outputs, providing a quick way to trigger a short, intense burst of rhythm.
Center
The LED will illuminate when the XFADE is centered. This is used for giving visual feedback that the crossfader is in the center position as well as for calibrating the position of the detent.

Rear panel#

5v/12v

This switch controls if the digital core runs on the 5 V or the 12 V rail.

Running on the 5 V rail will reduce noise on the 12 V bus, but as not all power supplies offer 5 V, Confundo Funkitus can also run on 12 V.

Detent calibration

New Confundo Funkitus should not need this adjustment, but over time parts can drift. The relationship between the detent position and the center light can be adjusted with the detent calibration.

Simply center the XFADE, then adjust the calibration trimmer until the Center LED lights.

Patch tutorial#

Connect up to four rhythm outputs to each of the two sets of inputs (for example, Numeric Repetitor or Zularic Repetitor). Connect the outputs to modules that take triggers. Drums that take triggers such as Basimilus Iteritas are perhaps the easiest.

Toggle the Curve switch to the top position. If the crossfader is fully left, then only inputs on the left will create gates. If the crossfader is positioned in the middle, the Center light is illuminated the two rhythms are blended together: gates are generated any time either rhythm is played. If the crossfader is all the way to the right the gates generated come from the second (right-hand) set of inputs.

Between these extremes the produced rhythm is a combination of both sets of input weighted by the position of XFADE and which Curve is selected.

Design notes#

The idea for Confundo Funkitus was suggested to me by Aaron Funk in 2014, who wanted to be able to crossfade between two sets of rhythms. A prototype was in hand pretty quickly, but a fair amount of polish has since gone into the final version.

Warranty#

We will repair or replace (at our discretion) any product that we manufactured as long as we are in business and are able to get the parts to do so. We aim to support modules that have been discontinued for as long as possible. This warranty does not apply to normal wear and tear, including art/panel wear, or any products that have been modified, abused, or misused. Our warranty is limited to manufacturing defects.

Warranty repairs/replacements are free. Repairs due to user modification or other damage are charged at an affordable rate. Customers are responsible for the cost of shipping to Noise Engineering for repair.

All returns must be coordinated through Noise Engineering; returns without a Return Authorization will be refused and returned to sender.

Please contact us if you think one of your modules needs a repair.

Special Thanks#

  • Kris Kaiser
  • Aaron Funk
  • Shawn Jimmerson
  • Skyler "kittyspit" King
  • William Mathewson
  • Mickey Bakas
  • Tyler Thompson
  • Alex Anderson