StrongMocha Summer of Eurorack Love
Microcell: a Compact Version of Supercell … and Clouds
2025
microcell is a compact 14hp version of Supercell that retains all features of the original (except for the attenuators). In case you missed it, Supercell is an expanded version of Clouds, building on the open-source foundations of the classic (but now discontinued) granular synthesis module from Mutable Instruments. See also our Mutable Instruments Clouds Review – Master of Granular Texture Effects
microcell ships with the expanded Superparasites firmware, which combines the Parasites firmware by Matthias Puech with the Beat Repeat firmware by Julius Kammerl. This hybrid firmware offers eight separate DSP modes within one module. Supercell can be updated to use this firmware too. Download the update here and don’t forget to check the user manual for calibration instructions after updating.
microcell is only available through its own dedicated website and it’s now shipping worldwide. Assembled units and DIY kits are available with your choice of gray or black matte front panel.
What is Supercell?
Supercell is an expanded version of Clouds by Mutable Instruments
Clouds, the granular synthesis module from Mutable Instruments, was discontinued in 2017. Supercell brings back Clouds in a more accessible 34 hp form factor, offering an improved user interface and several additional features:
- Each of the Blend parameters (Feedback, Panning, Mix, and Space) have dedicated knobs with their own CV inputs and inverting attenuators (attenuverters).
- The inputs and outputs now have mute switches, stereo VCAs, and separate VU meters. The knobs act as offset controls when their respective VCA inputs are patched.
- A stereo output gain control has been added, providing an additional +6 dB of gain to compensate for low output levels when using certain parameter combinations.
- The complex process of changing the sampling time and managing presets has been simplified with dedicated switches and status LEDs.
- Extensive modulation options for all parameters including direct patching of external CV, distribution of one CV to all parameters via the AUX input, or an internal smooth random CV that is normalized to any unpatched inputs when AUX is also unpatched. The attenuverters control the modulation depth in all three cases. With the latest firmware, the internal modulation rate can be adjusted within a range of 1 to 100 Hz.
- The inputs and outputs now include stereo VCAs and separate VU meters. The knobs act as offset controls when their respective VCA inputs are patched.
- Pitch is now controlled by two separate inputs: the V/Oct input is exponential and the Pitch input is linear. When both inputs are used, their voltages are summed.
- A manual Trig switch (for capturing individual grains) has been added, in addition to the Trig input that was present on Clouds.
All other features of the original Clouds remain intact, including access to the alternate modes. Thanks to Mutable Instruments for making the original Clouds hardware and firmware available under open-source licenses.
The “Superparasites” alternate firmware is also available, which combines the code from Parasites (Matthias Puech) with Beat Repeat(Julius Kammerl) into one powerful expanded firmware with eight DSP modes available. See the Downloads section below for details or Github for source code.
SchneidersLaden Launches the next workshop season
The weekly workshops at SchneidersLaden are suitable for musicians, artists, and everyone interested in the generation of electronic sounds.
On February 13th SchneidersLaden begins a new workshop series that will run until the end of March. Exciting guests are announced, such as IO Instruments from Berlin, who will open the event series. IO Instruments are a new modular maker with a couple of interesting and affordable new designs, some of them already available.
A week later – February 20th – Jörg Schaaf aka Radikal Technologies will be in Berlin to talk about (and show) his latest synthesizer designs like the Delta Cep A. He is responsible for some modern classic synth designs from Germany – like the Spectralis and Accelerator.
The last workshop in February – on the 27th – is reserved for Frap Tools, who presented their Fumana Filterbank at SchneidersLaden in March 2018. Now, about two years later, they are back with the USTA Sequencer and might also present the resent prototype of Brenso – fingers crossed.
The first workshop in March will be held by Genki Instruments from Iceland – on March 5th! This innovative manufacturer has brought us the Wave and a dedicated eurorack module Wavefront. The combination is an easy and reliable gestural contoller for everyone who is interested in wireless control of his or her synthesizers! This should be an interesting evening!
The 12th of March is reserved for visual artist VanTa. He will show you what he uses to generate graphical extravaganza with modular synthesizers. The focus will be on video synthesizers including modules by LZX Industries that allow your modular synthesizer to generate and process video signals.
March 19th: there will be something – and we will soon know what. This “soon” is just not now. Be patient, be good, help others. In other words: TBA
The last event of this workshop series will be by ACL from Berlin. Their Sinfonion module gained a lot of attention and might be the perfect tool to keep larger modular systems in tune. Learn more about this and other amazing modules by ACL in this workshop.
No knowledge required – the workshops are free of charge and open to everyone interested. The idea behind these workshops is to cover basic technical concepts – needed to understand the workings of modular synthesizers and synthesis in general and to enable the participants to make their first own patch and start creating electronic music.
The modular synthesizer scene is a vibrant, supportive and creative space where new forms of art are experienced and boundaries of electronic music have been pushed. This new (old) way of creating electronic sounds had to be learned and artists around the globe have shown that it is possible to create a global community that shares ideas, skills, and knowledge without focusing on profit.
Small centers of encounter and exchange, such as SchneidersLaden in Berlin, played a significant role in this development. Every week Modular Beginner Workshops are held here. The workshops offer the opportunity to overcome the first obstacles on the way to understanding this extraordinary instrument. At the same time, the place offers the possibility of exchange, getting to know each other and making music together.
In two days the next workshop season starts at SchneidersLaden – for the next seven weeks, there will be a workshop every Thursday at 7:30 pm, in addition to the weekly Modular Beginner Workshop.
SchneidersLaden is holding a Modular Beginner Workshop every Thursday at 18:00 – participation is free!
All workshops start at 7:30 pm – right after the Modular Beginner Workshop that is on schedule every Thursday at 6 pm. Learn more about the modular Beginner Workshop here.
Steve’s MS-22 dual VCF Module for Eurorack
The MS-22 is a dual voltage controlled filter. The Eurorack Filter was inspired by the classic Korg MS-20 filter, with an innovative modulation matrix and one of the highest function-to-hp ratios in the land of Eurorack.
MS-22 uniqueness
The MS-22 contains two dedicated filter circuits, one low-pass, and the other a high-pass. These are configured in series, the high-pass going into the low-pass. This configuration allows a unique duo-phonic fighting resonance behavior. The cutoff frequencies of both filters can be CV’ed. Compared to most bread-and-butter MS-20 clones, the MS-22 is double the amount of filter condensed down into half the package (4HP).
About THREETOM
THREETOM modular, a small modular synthesizer company based in Belgium.
Ordering
Steve’s MS-22 is manufactured to order in limited batches. Fully assembled modules are available for 225 EUR (excl. shipping). DIY PCB+panel sets are available for 50 EUR (incl. shipping). Read more about how to place an order.
Freak Filter Firmware v2.0 (Beta 2)
Freak firmware v2.0-beta-2 includes
- Dual-mode (available since beta-1)
- New filter: Boomstick – Sallen-Key filter
- Possibility of selecting a distortion. The algorithms come from the Debriatus module and provide wave folding, bit crushing, saturation and distortion.
Availability and How to Update
You can download the firmware here: https://github.com/modlfo/VultFreakFirmware/releases/tag/v2.0b
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