ADDAC 112

ADDAC112 £589
Rob Redman gets acquainted with the Portuguese outfi t’s
“softer approach to the granular process”
A
t 32hp, plus an
additional 14hp
for the expander,
the ADDAC112 is
an impressive
module to behold
and that space is
put to very good use, so don’t be put
off by the size. It’s split into two parts
but both are needed, so don’t think
that the expander is optional; it is in
fact vital, as it houses all the I/O for
the module. This is a good move by
ADDAC as it means all patching is in
one movable zone, so you can place it
where it suits your rig best, leaving
the control section clear for
adjustments and performance. As
with other ADDAC modules, the build
is excellent, the design no-nonsense,
easy to read and logical. For a module
of this size and capability it has a
relatively modest power consumption
and rearward needs, at just 4.5cm
deep and requiring just 240mA +12
and 70mA -12.
The screen is bright and don’t be
put off by thinking it means endless
menu diving. It really doesn’t at all. In
fact the data dial and screen are
mostly used for saving and loading
loops and presets and a few settings
that will likely be set and forgotten.
The screen really comes into its
own in conjunction with the rest of
the module.
Starting with looping, there are
inputs for various types of signal,
from split stereo (normalled 1 to 2),
single line-in stereo and gain control.
Other than the outputs, the patch
module is for CV control of just about
every element the 112 has to offer.
Pressing the record button starts
the huge 5-minute buffer, which can
be heard by adjusting the dry, loop
and grain volumes. New recordings
can be made, as can overdubs, with
the punch-in point easily assignable.
Playback can be done manually or by
CV, so a simple save makes it easy to
trigger playback in live situations
where free hands become rare.
Granular is equally simple but
powerful and here the ADDAC112
really shines, the control layout
making easy work of setting up the
ideal confi guration. Controls for start
point, grain count, spacing, stereo
positioning and more are all there and
each has a secondary control for
deviation, essentially randomising the
element increasingly as the knob is
turned. The audio waveform is shown
onscreen, as is the playhead and the
grains themselves, making it
remarkably easy to dial in a sound.
Grains can be synced to the
looping audio as well, at either eight
or quarter, or left free-running, set by
a small toggle switch next to the
corresponding knob.
Playback can be constrained to
scales or run from a volts per octave
input. There’s a CV-controllable knob
for octave range as well.
The key to the success of the 112
is in the CV control and visual
feedback. It is fantastic, hands-on
and many will use it this way, but
spending some time with the CV
control and various trigger sources
brings this module to another level.
Pretty much everything can be
controlled this way and having the
patch bay separate is a big deal – well
done ADDAC. Triggering or
modulating attributes with CV is a
real pleasure, while the screen gives
real-time feedback that helps you see
what your modulation choices are
doing. The only place I’ve seen such
a close link is the Waldorf Iridium, at
least in such an intuitive way. This
workfl ow is fantastic, especially when
there are so many small changes that
have a large impact on overall output.
Finally, the screen easily allows
the creation, saving and loading of
banks and presets, to the SD card,
loadable directly from a knob or by
CV. There is much more to the 112
and the manual is very good too, so
learning it is simple and fun.
THE PROS & CONS
+
Pretty much
knob-per-function
Excellent, intuitive
workfl ow
Good value
-
Not the smallest
of modules
FM VERDICT
9.0
A looper’s dream. The
extended buffer sizes, ease
of use and complete levels
of CV control are a joy. Worth
every HP it uses
ADDAC112
£589
Rob Redman
gets acquainted with the Portuguese outfi t’s
“softer approach to the granular process”
A
t 32hp, plus an
additional 14hp
for the expander,
the ADDAC112 is
an impressive
module to behold
and that space is
put to very good use, so don’t be put
off by the size. It’s split into two parts
but both are needed, so don’t think
that the expander is optional; it is in
fact vital, as it houses all the I/O for
the module. This is a good move by
ADDAC as it means all patching is in
one movable zone, so you can place it
where it suits your rig best, leaving
the control section clear for
adjustments and performance. As
with other ADDAC modules, the build
is excellent, the design no-nonsense,
easy to read and logical. For a module
of this size and capability it has a
relatively modest power consumption
and rearward needs, at just 4.5cm
deep and requiring just 240mA +12
and 70mA -12.
The screen is bright and don’t be
put off by thinking it means endless
menu diving. It really doesn’t at all. In
fact the data dial and screen are
mostly used for saving and loading
loops and presets and a few settings
that will likely be set and forgotten.
The screen really comes into its
own in conjunction with the rest of
the module.
Starting with looping, there are
inputs for various types of signal,
from split stereo (normalled 1 to 2),
single line-in stereo and gain control.
Other than the outputs, the patch
module is for CV control of just about
every element the 112 has to offer.
Pressing the record button starts
the huge 5-minute buffer, which can
be heard by adjusting the dry, loop
and grain volumes. New recordings
can be made, as can overdubs, with
the punch-in point easily assignable.
Playback can be done manually or by
CV, so a simple save makes it easy to
trigger playback in live situations
where free hands become rare.
Granular is equally simple but
powerful and here the ADDAC112
really shines, the control layout
making easy work of setting up the
ideal confi guration. Controls for start
point, grain count, spacing, stereo
positioning and more are all there and
each has a secondary control for
deviation, essentially randomising the
element increasingly as the knob is
turned. The audio waveform is shown
onscreen, as is the playhead and the
grains themselves, making it
remarkably easy to dial in a sound.
Grains can be synced to the
looping audio as well, at either eight
or quarter, or left free-running, set by
a small toggle switch next to the
corresponding knob.
Playback can be constrained to
scales or run from a volts per octave
input. There’s a CV-controllable knob
for octave range as well.
The key to the success of the 112
is in the CV control and visual
feedback. It is fantastic, hands-on
and many will use it this way, but
spending some time with the CV
control and various trigger sources
brings this module to another level.
Pretty much everything can be
controlled this way and having the
patch bay separate is a big deal – well
done ADDAC. Triggering or
modulating attributes with CV is a
real pleasure, while the screen gives
real-time feedback that helps you see
what your modulation choices are
doing. The only place I’ve seen such
a close link is the Waldorf Iridium, at
least in such an intuitive way. This
workfl ow is fantastic, especially when
there are so many small changes that
have a large impact on overall output.
Finally, the screen easily allows
the creation, saving and loading of
banks and presets, to the SD card,
loadable directly from a knob or by
CV. There is much more to the 112
and the manual is very good too, so
learning it is simple and fun.
THE PROS & CONS
+
Pretty much
knob-per-function
Excellent, intuitive
workfl ow
Not the smallest
of modules
FM
VERDICT
9.0
A looper’s dream. The
extended buffer sizes, ease
of use and complete levels
of CV control are a joy. Worth
every HP it uses
Not the smallest
Not the smallest
Good value
-
Not the smallest
CONTACT WHO: ADDAC WEB: addacsystem.com KEY FEATURES 5 minute buffer size, Excellent screen and UI, Movable patch bay, Looper and
granular synthesis
Reviews | ADDAC112
84
FMU374.rev_modules.indd 84FMU374.rev_modules.indd 84 09/08/2021 15:5409/08/2021 15:54