Erica Synths Black Hole 2

The Black Hole presents stereo multi-effects processing for Eurorack. Gino Robair gives it a try

Part of Erica Synths’ Black Series, Black Hole DSP 2 (BHD2) is a stereo Eurorack module that provides 24 time- and pitch-based effects. Like the original, the BHD2 gives you manual and CV control over three parameters for each effect, plus Patch selection.

The new Crush feature lets you alter the sampling rate of the DSP from 48kHz to 1kHz. Beyond adding distortion-like artefacts, Crush often changes the behaviour of an effect in

surprising ways, and having voltage control over it is very useful.

Made for live performance, the BHD2’s user interface is simple. Turn the Patch encoder until the number of the effect you want shows, then press to load. The levels for each of the three parameters in a patch can be saved/recalled manually or with a CV. A simple visual system helps you reset the knob for each parameter.

Save settings by pressing and holding the Patch encoder until you see SA in the LCD. To recall saved settings, select the effect number and press the encoder twice so that RC is displayed. Then, turn each parameter control until you see the dot flash at the original level of that parameter.

The BHD2 includes nine delays, seven reverbs (three with shimmery pitch-shift parameters), a chorus, a flanger, a phaser, the Ripper bit-crusher/distortion, a dual pitchshifter, two filter-based freeze effects, and a three-oscillator Drone Bank, which is not dependent on an input signal. Although different aspects of each effect are assigned to the three parameter controls, the majority assign Feedback or Pre-delay to Parameter 1 and Delay Time or Reverb Size to Parameter 2.

Typically, Parameter 3 controls the signature part of an effect (eg, Tone, Shimmer Amount, Filter Amount, etc). So, with the LP and HP Freezer effects, Parameter 3 sets the cutoff frequency for the filter, whereas Parameter 1 ‘freezes’ a sound when its knob is past 12 o’clock, and Parameter 2 determines how much time is in the buffer for the frozen sound (10ms-500ms). A chart showing parameter assignments is included, but it all becomes intuitive as you work with the module.

Input level for both channels is controlled by a single attenuator, and an LED shows input clipping. Output level is handled by an analogue wet/ dry circuit, which can be set manually as well as voltage controlled – another handy modulation point.

Though its output is a little noisier than a studio-based processor, overall, the BHD2 feels well-built and its UI is easy to use. Importantly, the effects are as musically useful as exciting, and in combo with the Crush parameter, the Black Hole DSP 2 is a clear stand-out as a multi-effects module within the Eurorack scene.