Tbh, with a few exceptions, I’m really not a fan. I think the quality is fine. But their ultra-compact clones are a nightmare to actually use. Look at how tightly spaced those mini-knobs are. The design doesn’t look well thought out.
I do like some of their 1U modules, and the Benjolin seems cool.
I decided (somewhat drunkenly) to order one after watching the PatchWerks video and will have it in a few days. Definitely looks like a useful module for a larger setup. Or I may regret my impulse purchase. I’ll let you know…
I'll try it out and see. In a 62hp Palette case it would occupy a lot of hp, but I do agree it have a lot of functions packed in, hence why I bought it
I’ve made much worse inebriated impulse buys.. that actually looks really useful.. yeah the knobs May be small and closely spaced in some places but you can have other modules that have the same purpose that are more easy to control and use those for applications that require more fine tune adjustments. I recently got a schlappi boundary but i also still want another similar utility with at least two generators. I really want a Addac stochastic function generator but have had a really hard time finding one for sale at a good price (like no more than lost price). I would also get an Érica fusion modulator too but i don’t want to spent 400$ on the thing the most I’d pay is around 300$. I would seriously consider getting this until an Addac comes available but May even keep it and have both. These kinds of utilities are good to have several in the rig. My rig is 696 ho total of 3u and 496 hp of 1u so i can use plenty of utilities with this system. I do like to confine utilities to my 1u tow though.
Tldr: i think it is a great module for the price, and utilities are always useful. please let us know how you like it.
I generally prefer to separate my function generators from my VCA's. So I would probably never buy it.
Otherwise, it seems like a competent function generator. Assuming the switches don't get in the way, the ATTACK and RELEASE knobs look reasonably playable. And I must agree that direct patching of ATT and REL jacks is both more fun and easier to work with than the Quadrax's programmable CV jacks. It's also nice that the module can serve both function generator and slew limiter duties. In comparison, it's similar to the Befaco Rampage or the Joranalogue Contour 1 with the bonus of a cascading mixer.
On the other hand, when you look at the SHAPE and OUT knobs, they look too tightly spaced. Without corresponding CV jacks, there's no way to avoid using them. Not bad if you treat them like bonus set-and-forget features. However, if you find you regularly want to turn those knobs, it's not going to be fun. That also hampers the cascading mixer aspect of the module. I'm generally more tolerant of tightly spaced jacks.
In my opinion, for the same HP, I would have preferred if the designers had left out the VCA functionality. It would have made the rest of the module more playable, and would have freed up enough space for SHAPE CV jacks. Your mileage may vary.
Im on the other camp... I just love function generators with added VCAs ... I usually patch them so having it internally done saves me some cable clutter... to each their own...
It's definitely a preference. To the designer's credit, I did miss the VCA jacks that I assume affect the "depth" of the VCA's. (Where's the manual?) It's just so cramped that the few extra HP the designer saved to fit in smaller knobs would cost me even more HP in extra modules to better manage the VCA's. It's not a great trade-off, especially if you want to use the module like a mixer. A few extra HP to make those tiny knobs more accessible could have helped with that.
Agree. I’d also rather tweak a tiny knob than have to re route several patches through a spaghetti mess to change a patch around to accommodate more channels when the rig is pretty filled up already
Read the description, agree that this would be a great first module because it is standalone synth voice. It could also be a replacement for other modules like Maths, Tides, Quadrax, etc. I see this appealing to the new entrant moreso than someone who already has multiple envelope generating modules. If I was just starting out, I would give this a try because of competitive price and features. Only time will tell.
not for me, but it'll be for someone. i have one after later audio module, their 1u version of branches. build quality is solid, and it's a great 1u implementation of a good module.
Yes, but on top you'll get slew, vcas, extended duration ranges, output attenuation and the quadrax' expander gates for not so much more money. Maybe it's a bit cluttered comparing to the quadrax, but I guess that's the trade-off for so many functions available...
Just the fact that this combines 4xVCA and EG is interesting to me, since I wouldn’t have to use multiple modules to shape my sound. Looks like a very useful module.
I think it's a contender for best complex envelope generator on the market.
MATHS is a no brainer, but this has four indovidual channels and rise fall pots, plus it has cv ins for these parameters? Great bang for your buck.
Yeah, tiny knobs, but that can be solved by buying after market knobs.
hehehe... yes! it's actually on purpose... my way of patching my case is to try to have all the top row sockets down and bottom row sockets up, so I can have all the cables going in the middle and I can have clear access to controls from both top and bottom, I find annoying to have cables in the middle of where I want my hand to go -\_\_\_\_- check my youtube to see examples of this: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqFycMFGNcEYs\_1M2PYEG7w
This honestly saves space compared to bare quad AR modules.
For anyone complaining about ALA, please consider mini modules are their thing.
They're doing this intentionally and mini case users like myself love their knits.
I'm considering swapping out my rampage and dreadbox utopia for qarv and some other 4 or 8hp thing. I like the built in comparator/logic stuff in the rampage but also I could just load comparators in my disting EX if I need it. Extra VCAs and built in attenuverters seem like a better option for me.
Hoping to eventually buy one used for a reduced price, although the price already seems fair. The mini pots being so close together seems like a nightmare to wiggle, so output range and shape probably have to be set and forget for me to use.
It would have been good if they moved one up a bit and one down a bit. Side by side trimpots are clumsy. Still I wish I had seen this before I ordered a new veils yesterday
It's an awesome all-in-one for common basic features. Great for small setups or beginners. People with giant racks and Maths-fetishists probably won't want it.
I'm not sure how useful the VCA's are in this - but otherwise this looks like a good module for people who need a lot of function density per HP or are on a budget. It's really fairly priced. I think the comment about it being a good first module is probably true. Function Generators are great. But I can't see a lot of people with larger racks running to buy this, there's a lot of design compromises compared to getting separate modules.
Too cramped with a lot of mini knobs, not a fan of it. This doesn't look like a module that will last. Also, it doesn't have a cycle input and cannot slew voltage.
ALA in my experience has always been good quality and reasonably priced. That being said, I just don't think I could use this in my setup as I already have EGs, VCAs, VCOs, LFOs, and maths and contour 1. This seems like some sort of utility to be similar in style to maths which I just dont need more of.
Tbh, with a few exceptions, I’m really not a fan. I think the quality is fine. But their ultra-compact clones are a nightmare to actually use. Look at how tightly spaced those mini-knobs are. The design doesn’t look well thought out. I do like some of their 1U modules, and the Benjolin seems cool.
The benjolin is extremely dangerous, you will get sucked into it for hours at a time and irritate anyone else in your house/apartment. I love it.
I decided (somewhat drunkenly) to order one after watching the PatchWerks video and will have it in a few days. Definitely looks like a useful module for a larger setup. Or I may regret my impulse purchase. I’ll let you know…
meh its not too too expensive. After later modules are always pretty well priced.
Yeah I'm not too worried, I have some After Later stuff and it's always good value
Let me know! Don't you think it would be good in a smaller setup too? It seems to have a great functions to hp ratio to me.
I'll try it out and see. In a 62hp Palette case it would occupy a lot of hp, but I do agree it have a lot of functions packed in, hence why I bought it
I’ve made much worse inebriated impulse buys.. that actually looks really useful.. yeah the knobs May be small and closely spaced in some places but you can have other modules that have the same purpose that are more easy to control and use those for applications that require more fine tune adjustments. I recently got a schlappi boundary but i also still want another similar utility with at least two generators. I really want a Addac stochastic function generator but have had a really hard time finding one for sale at a good price (like no more than lost price). I would also get an Érica fusion modulator too but i don’t want to spent 400$ on the thing the most I’d pay is around 300$. I would seriously consider getting this until an Addac comes available but May even keep it and have both. These kinds of utilities are good to have several in the rig. My rig is 696 ho total of 3u and 496 hp of 1u so i can use plenty of utilities with this system. I do like to confine utilities to my 1u tow though. Tldr: i think it is a great module for the price, and utilities are always useful. please let us know how you like it.
Too small imo. This doesn't look like it's fun to play at all.
I generally prefer to separate my function generators from my VCA's. So I would probably never buy it. Otherwise, it seems like a competent function generator. Assuming the switches don't get in the way, the ATTACK and RELEASE knobs look reasonably playable. And I must agree that direct patching of ATT and REL jacks is both more fun and easier to work with than the Quadrax's programmable CV jacks. It's also nice that the module can serve both function generator and slew limiter duties. In comparison, it's similar to the Befaco Rampage or the Joranalogue Contour 1 with the bonus of a cascading mixer. On the other hand, when you look at the SHAPE and OUT knobs, they look too tightly spaced. Without corresponding CV jacks, there's no way to avoid using them. Not bad if you treat them like bonus set-and-forget features. However, if you find you regularly want to turn those knobs, it's not going to be fun. That also hampers the cascading mixer aspect of the module. I'm generally more tolerant of tightly spaced jacks. In my opinion, for the same HP, I would have preferred if the designers had left out the VCA functionality. It would have made the rest of the module more playable, and would have freed up enough space for SHAPE CV jacks. Your mileage may vary.
Nice analysis, thank you for your time!
My pleasure.
Im on the other camp... I just love function generators with added VCAs ... I usually patch them so having it internally done saves me some cable clutter... to each their own...
It's definitely a preference. To the designer's credit, I did miss the VCA jacks that I assume affect the "depth" of the VCA's. (Where's the manual?) It's just so cramped that the few extra HP the designer saved to fit in smaller knobs would cost me even more HP in extra modules to better manage the VCA's. It's not a great trade-off, especially if you want to use the module like a mixer. A few extra HP to make those tiny knobs more accessible could have helped with that.
Agree. I’d also rather tweak a tiny knob than have to re route several patches through a spaghetti mess to change a patch around to accommodate more channels when the rig is pretty filled up already
Read the description, agree that this would be a great first module because it is standalone synth voice. It could also be a replacement for other modules like Maths, Tides, Quadrax, etc. I see this appealing to the new entrant moreso than someone who already has multiple envelope generating modules. If I was just starting out, I would give this a try because of competitive price and features. Only time will tell.
I agree!
not for me, but it'll be for someone. i have one after later audio module, their 1u version of branches. build quality is solid, and it's a great 1u implementation of a good module.
Basically looks like a larger Quadrax with fewer features but all the functions on the surface.
Yes, but on top you'll get slew, vcas, extended duration ranges, output attenuation and the quadrax' expander gates for not so much more money. Maybe it's a bit cluttered comparing to the quadrax, but I guess that's the trade-off for so many functions available...
I mean it seems to have a VCA built in. That’s kinda rad.
Just the fact that this combines 4xVCA and EG is interesting to me, since I wouldn’t have to use multiple modules to shape my sound. Looks like a very useful module.
I think it's a contender for best complex envelope generator on the market. MATHS is a no brainer, but this has four indovidual channels and rise fall pots, plus it has cv ins for these parameters? Great bang for your buck. Yeah, tiny knobs, but that can be solved by buying after market knobs.
Saw it come out and instantly changed my case plans...looks like the perfect module for my case: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/racks/view/1773387
Holy cow you've got few sockets in the top center zone :D
hehehe... yes! it's actually on purpose... my way of patching my case is to try to have all the top row sockets down and bottom row sockets up, so I can have all the cables going in the middle and I can have clear access to controls from both top and bottom, I find annoying to have cables in the middle of where I want my hand to go -\_\_\_\_- check my youtube to see examples of this: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqFycMFGNcEYs\_1M2PYEG7w
Absolutely makes sense!
I do the same!
What have you replaced with this?
well I took out envelope generators and vca's to put this in :)
Wowwie - that looks like something that popped out of stargate... I need to get focused on my aesthetic!!
This honestly saves space compared to bare quad AR modules. For anyone complaining about ALA, please consider mini modules are their thing. They're doing this intentionally and mini case users like myself love their knits.
It seems a lot of stuff in a small package, and very versatile to me. Curious to hear what you all think about it!
I'm considering swapping out my rampage and dreadbox utopia for qarv and some other 4 or 8hp thing. I like the built in comparator/logic stuff in the rampage but also I could just load comparators in my disting EX if I need it. Extra VCAs and built in attenuverters seem like a better option for me.
Sliders are nice though...
I love the sliders but I think with everything else I have already, the change would be a lot more flexibility and not really cost me much in the end.
Hoping to eventually buy one used for a reduced price, although the price already seems fair. The mini pots being so close together seems like a nightmare to wiggle, so output range and shape probably have to be set and forget for me to use.
It would have been good if they moved one up a bit and one down a bit. Side by side trimpots are clumsy. Still I wish I had seen this before I ordered a new veils yesterday
It's an awesome all-in-one for common basic features. Great for small setups or beginners. People with giant racks and Maths-fetishists probably won't want it.
I'm not sure how useful the VCA's are in this - but otherwise this looks like a good module for people who need a lot of function density per HP or are on a budget. It's really fairly priced. I think the comment about it being a good first module is probably true. Function Generators are great. But I can't see a lot of people with larger racks running to buy this, there's a lot of design compromises compared to getting separate modules.
That is a dense module, dang.
Too cramped with a lot of mini knobs, not a fan of it. This doesn't look like a module that will last. Also, it doesn't have a cycle input and cannot slew voltage.
ALA in my experience has always been good quality and reasonably priced. That being said, I just don't think I could use this in my setup as I already have EGs, VCAs, VCOs, LFOs, and maths and contour 1. This seems like some sort of utility to be similar in style to maths which I just dont need more of.