Jolin ROSA

Jolin Rosa

Modular synthesizers- and sound sculptures-specialising music technology brand Jolin announces the availability of ROSA - realised as a multi-mode crossfader, scanner, and switcher module for Eurorack designed to morph between up to four inputs and outputs, offering seamless signal routing with endless creative potential - as of December 20…

ROSA represents the ultimate tool for sound designers and performers seeking fluid transitions and dynamic control. Creatively, it can be used to morph smoothly between multiple inputs, route a single input across multiple outputs, modulate signals dynamically with flexible scanning and control, and switch between signals or outputs for performance variations. Indeed, it can be used with LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators) and envelopes - to morph modulation sources across various destinations; audio sources - to transition between different oscillators, filters, or effects; quadraphonic systems - to distribute signals across multiple speakers for immersive sound; and rhythmic triggers - to switch between trigger patterns or effects to create evolving sequences.

So how, exactly, does ROSA do what it does? It includes three distinct modes that allow users to shape and route signals in various ways. When working in Scan Mode, users can seamlessly morph between up to four inputs - the scanning circuit moves progressively from I1 (input one) to I4 (input four), with the option to loop back to I1 for continuous transitions; by adjusting the KNEE control, users can choose whether the transitions are smooth and gradual or sharp and instantaneous, making it perfect for creating evolving textures or switching between sounds on the fly. When working in Wave Mode, the four VCAs (Voltage-Controlled Amplifiers) operate independently - although each still follows the same control from the scanning circuit, they are kept separate, so users can independently modulate four different channels, creating complex dynamic changes in a patch. When working in Pass Mode, a single input is distributed across up to four outputs - if more than one input is plugged, they will all be mixed together, which is ideal for sending the same signal to multiple destinations, like quadraphonic speaker setups or different effects chains; the transition between outputs can be smooth or sharp, providing users with full control over how the signal moves between outputs.

Digging deeper still, the KNEE control shapes how the transitions behave in all modes, letting users switch from soft fades to abrupt jumps, while the SHUT input mutes all the VCAs simultaneously, so is ideal for performance control or rhythmic muting; since the VCAs are linear, amplitude control can be gradual or instantaneous, depending on the nature of the CV (Control Voltage) input. It is worth noting that the CV input is scanned with an attenuvertor - an attenuator that can also invert the signal - and a mechanical toggle switch (set to POT) permits users to select the Infinite Analogue Potentiometer - itself featuring an LED (Light Emitting Diode) ring to indicate which quadrant users are interacting with - that enables seamless circular and continuous morphing between inputs, or CV modulation (when set to CV).

It is fair to say, then, that whether users are creating evolving textures, routing a single input to multiple outputs, or exploring rhythmic variations, ROSA readily adapts to their needs. Needless to say, the fact that it transforms sounds in real time - thanks to those three powerful modes - makes it a must-have module for anyone looking to push the boundaries of modular synthesis.

The first batch of ROSA modules are limited in number - after all, Jolin’s products are all individually hand-built and tested carefully, but additional units will be being built in the coming weeks, all available directly from the modular synthesizers- and sound sculptures-specialising music technology brand’s online Shop, priced at €269.00 EUR.

www.jolin.tech