USER MANUAL
Special Thanks DIRECTION Frederic Brun Nicolas Dubois Adrien Courdavault Valentin Lepetit Benjamin Renard Victor Morello Nicolas Dubois Luc Walrawens Philippe Vivancos ENGINEERING MANUAL Gert Braakman Florian Marin DESIGN Sebastien Rochard DesignBox Sylvain Missemer Morgan Perrier Chuck Capsis Adrien Kanter Andrew Capon Reek Havok Terry Mardsen Jean-Philippe Gross Gert Braakman Randy Lee Marco Correia Ken Flux Pierce Tom Hall BETA TESTERS © ARTURIA SA – 2017 – All rights reserved
Thank you for purchasing the Arturia RackBrute! This manual covers the features and operation of Arturia’s RackBrute 3U and RackBrute 6U. In this package you will find: • RackBrute 3U or 6U unit with power supply • 15V-3000mA Power supply + power cord • Link fixing system: Handle + 4 screws • Extra screws and washers + rubber pads Be sure to register your RackBrute as soon as possible! There is a sticker on the bottom panel that contains the serial number of your unit.
Special Message Section Specifications Subject to Change: The information contained in this manual is believed to be correct at the time of printing. However, Arturia reserves the right to change or modify any of the specifications without notice or obligation to update the hardware that has been purchased. IMPORTANT: The product, when used in combination with an amplifier, headphones or speakers, may be able to produce sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss.
Introduction Congratulations on your purchase of the Arturia RackBrute! The RackBrute is an adjustable Eurorack housing system that will store, protect, and power your Eurorack modules. The RackBrute Link System allows you to combine units that are Link-enabled such as the MiniBrute 2 and 2S and the RackBrute 3U or 6U. We are excited to bring you this powerful and well designed Eurorack case.
Table Of Contents 1. Bridging the gap ........................................................................................................................................................... 2 1.1. The Eurorack standard ....................................................................................................................................................... 2 1.2. A fascinating adventure..........................................................................................................
1. BRIDGING THE GAP In the past decade Arturia spearheaded the revival of the analogue synthesizer with some very advanced products such as the MicroBrute, the MiniBrute and the magnificent MatrixBrute. During that same decade many musicians embraced the Eurorack standard. Not surprising: what makes the Eurorack environment so popular is that it enables you to create a unique individual sound. Whether it's EDM or complex Ambient music, you'll find Eurorack modules to match your music style.
2. RACKBRUTE OVERVIEW The RackBrute is an adjustable Eurorack housing system that will store, protect, and power your sound modules. It consists of a rail-based rack in boat format, a solid power module and a bus board that offers you plenty of space to plug your modules in. LEDs on the power module will signal the status of the power lines that feed your Eurorack modules. The RackBrute comes in two sizes: 3U and 6U. 2.1.
3. THE RACKBRUTE CASE The width of a Eurorack case is measured in "HP". Officially "HP" is the abbreviation for "Horizontal Pitch", but don't be surprised if you hear it described as short for "Hole Points". "Hole Points" refers to the screw holes on the rails in the rack. It makes sense to describe it this way because it gives you an idea how much space a module will take up. The most common sizes are 48HP, 84HP and 104HP. 1 Hp equals 0.2 inches or 5.08 mm. Vertically a Eurorack case is measured in "U".
The RackBrute 3U The 6U unit can be linked to another 3U or 6U unit and folded in a similar way.
3.2. Assembling your system Setting up the Rack 1. Fix the cross and handlebar with the screws provided. Tighten moderately. 2. Fix the second cross on the other side of the handlebar. Firmly tighten the four screws on the handle bar. 3. Place the RackBrute on a clean, flat surface. Insert the tightening washer on the quick fastening screw. 4. Moderately fasten the quick fastening screw on the orange Link port. 5. Repeat the operation on the other side. 6.
3.3. Rails The rails of the case allow you to place the modules in the rack. Once your collection of modules starts growing, you often find yourself unscrewing modules and moving them to another, more logical or more relevant position. The RackBrute uses a system of threaded nut strips, unlike older systems that often use sliding nuts. Nut strip The nut strip as used on the RackBrute has the advantage that you always have a clear idea of how many screw holes you have left to install modules.
3.5. Understanding power requirements Eurorack modules differ in their power requirements: some are power hungry, some will only need a minimum amount of power. Passive multiples, that allow you to make copies of control signals require no power at all. The Power supply of the RackBrute is designed to provide a consumption up of 1600mA on +12V line and 1600 mA on the -12V line. In a 6U unit this power is distributed over four separate circuits. The +5V line can deliver up to 900 mA.
4. INSTALLING MODULES If you plan to install several modules it is a good idea to give some thought to how you want to place them in the RackBrute; do you want to group your modules by function or distribute the functions? Group oscillators together, filters together, or spread them over the case to a place where they have a dedicated function? A good practice is to recreate your RackBrute on Modulargrid. It will give you a good idea whether your modules will fit.
Screw and washer • Double check all connections and reconnect the power cable of your RackBrute • Flip the power switch of the RackBrute to its "on" position. • Sit back and enjoy. Tip: use plastic washers to protect your module from damage.
5. THE RACKBRUTE AND OTHER ARTURIA PRODUCTS 5.1. RackBrute & MiniBrute 2 and 2S In itself the MiniBrute 2 is an impressive analogue synthesiser but in tandem with a RackBrute it opens up an infinite universe of options. The MiniBrute 2 is specifically designed to control the EuroRack modules in your RackBrute. Its patch bay contains no less then 28 input patch points and 20 output patch points.
Example of a MiniBrute 2 to Modular connection Arturia - User Manual RackBrute 3U & 6U - The RackBrute and other Arturia products 12
Inputs Outputs VCO 1 Pitch Saw VCO 1 FM Ramp VCO 1 Ultrasaw Triangle VCO 1 PWM Random VCO 1 Metal in VCO 2 out VCO 1 Metal Mod AMP out VCO 1 Sync ADSR out VCO 1 Lin FM LFO 1 out VCO 2 Pitch 2 LFO 2 out EXT IN Master VCA out EXT IN Ext Attenuator out 1 FILTER FM Attenuator out 2 FILTER RM Sequencer sync FILTER Cutoff Sequencer run AMP AM Midi KBD AMP AMP Midi Gate INVERTER In Midi Velo ADSR Trig Midi Mod AD Trig AD Attack AD Decay VCA In 1 VCA In 2 VCA CV Attenuator In 1
5.2. RackBrute & MiniBrute The MiniBrute features several in- and outputs that you can use to control your Eurorack modules.
5.3. RackBrute & MatrixBrute The MatrixBrute is probably the most advanced Eurorack controller currently available. It was designed with Eurorack connectivity in mind. At the back of it you'll find 12 inputs and 12 outputs that accept or provide signals at Eurorack level. Fig 18 lists the standard inputs and outputs.
The first 12 matrix positions • First select the Modulation Matrix by pressing the MOD button. • Now press button E1 to activate the routing from LFO 1 to the VCO pitch. • Using a patch cord make a connection to a module on your RackBrute that accepts control voltages. A VCO would be a good choice, because it gives you immediate feedback. • Now turn up the level of the modulation amount using the control knob next to the MOD selector.
5.3.2. The MatrixBrute as a Scene Creator The MatrixBrute is unique in that it enables you to store your patches in presets. Every control voltage routing you create when the Matrix is in modulation mode can be stored and recalled in a preset. When used as a Control Voltage Mixer as explained above this opens up a new world of creative options. One the disadvantages of working anologue is that it is difficult to change patches quickly: moving from one soundscape to another is slow and often tedious.
5.4. RackBrute & BeatStep Pro The BeatStep Pro is an ideal controller for your RackBrute. Its compact size makes it a perfect addition to your RackBrute when travelling or performing. Pitch, Velocity, and Gate signals of both Sequencer one and Sequencer two are available for control of Eurorack modules. The eight Drum Gates can be connected to one of the many available Eurorack drum modules, or you can use the gate signals to trigger any combination of modules.
5.5. RackBrute & DrumBrute The DrumBrute differs from the instruments featured above as it does not output triggers but audio signals. DrumBrute outputs The audio signals can be plugged into Eurorack modules that accept audio level inputs. The Mix output combines the output of the individual outputs. If one of the individual outputs is plugged, this output signal will be omitted from the Mix output. This feature allows you to exclude certain signals from the mix.
6. DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY USA Important notice: DO NOT MODIFY THE UNIT! This product, when installed as indicate in the instructions contained in this manual, meets FCC requirement. Modifications not expressly approved by Arturia may avoid your authority, granted by the FCC, to use the product. IMPORTANT: When connecting this product to accessories and/or another product, use only high quality shielded cables. Cable (s) supplied with this product MUST be used. Follow all installation instructions.