Test: Black Reverb & Delay 2
Latvia apparently never sleeps, because Erica Synths, which is based there, was extremely busy last year. Whether it was firmware updates for existing hardware, the release of modules, the expansion of their EDU DIY series or the „Music for Peace“fundraising project for Ukraine - the team delivered. Just mass, or also class? Today we take a look at two fruits of their enormous output with these new Black Series modules!
The effect algorithms in both new models were developed by the Dutch company 112db. Both also share the same hardware layout. The fact that this is designed for performance is immediately apparent from the layout of the panel. Five large, easy-to-grip controls and two toggle switches are located in the upper part of the module, the complete CV connections are in the lower part. This means that there are no problems with access when patched. The Algorithms (Tape, BBD, Dirty BBD) and the room modes (room, hall, cathedral) are selected using the three-way switches. The controls give you access to room size, tone, feedback and dry/wet mix. Size, with its own attenuator, tone and feedback can all be controlled using the CV connections. Unfortunately, you have no influence on dry/wet with control voltage signals. A nice feature is the ability to freeze the sound at the touch of a button or trigger and play it via size CV-In in the V/Oct standard, which quickly leads to spooky pads, for example. Up to ten presets can be saved using the two buttons. The LEDs at the top of the module each represent a memory location, as well as displaying the signal level. A particularly special feature of this module is that these presets can be called up via their own CV-In. Attention! The memory locations are widely distributed in the range between -5V and +5V. Therefore, some external fi- ne-tuning is required to precisely control the changeover. It‘s still a great feature, though! The switch runs smoothly during operation. Triggers can be used, for example, to assign different reverb settings to each note. The lack of CV control over dry/wet, as criticized above, can, therefore, be compensated for and presets with different dry/wet contents can be loaded.
Black Stereo Delay 2 – echo with grit
This module’s structure also includes five controls, two switches, two buttons, five CV-ins plus stereo input and stereo output. The delay time ranges between 3 ms and 3 seconds. It is controlled using the large Time pot. As with the Reverb module, the associated CV In has been given its own attenuator, which, in the case of our test candidate is named Size CV - which is somewhat confusing. In synchronized operation, settings are selected by time divisions or multiplications of the incoming clock. The two switches select the Algorithms (Tape, BBD, Digital) and the Modes (Stereo, crossfeed, ping pong). The remaining controls provide access to Feedback, dry/wet and tone. The latter has a double assignment and adjusts the stereo spread of the delay when the Shift button is pressed. We also have the option of saving ten presets and recalling them at the touch of a button, knob or CV In. However, a brief interruption in the signal is noticeable when changing presets. This means that switching through presets in quick succession via patch CV In during operation does not work. Wow, frustrating! It remains to be seen whether this can be fixed with a future firmware update or whether there is no other way due to the design. Like its colleague above, this module is particularly good at dirty, warm sounds. With a little patching skill, you can create wonderfully glitchy, crunchy LoFi sounds. The textures created by self-oscillation could also be integrated well into a musical context, for example, as a dark, grainy bass.
Verdict
These modules are certainly not the most flexible on the market in terms of sound, but they are clearly structured and have all functions easily accessible, which makes intuitive work and performances easier. The CV connections, the warm basic sound and small feature highlights, such as the freeze function with V/Oct standard and CV In for changing presets, provide sufficient incentive to explore creative application possibilities. The biggest minus for me is the high latency when switching presets on the Delay. If you‘re looking for easy-to-use effects with little delicacies and want to concentrate on making music without reading the manual, you should take a look at these two new Erica Synths. Those who prefer clinically pure, clean Digital Delay and Reverb sounds or the combination of several effects in one module are better off looking elsewhere. ⸬