IO‑Instruments Euporie: 12HP, +12V 70mA, ‑12V 70mA.Regular readers of the Modular column will know that IO‑Instruments sent me a box of modules which I’ve slowly been getting acquainted with. So far, I’ve reviewed the Himalia Penta Sound Source and the Sponde 12‑channel mixer. This month, it’s the turn of the Euporie ‘multi‑response’ analogue low‑pass filter. ‘Multi‑response’ refers to the fact that the resonance can be switched between a Moog and Sallen & Key characteristic, giving you two filters for the price of one. This is done with IO‑Instruments’ usual focus on affordability without compromise and, as I found with their other modules, there are some nice extras thrown in.
The Euporie is a colourful 12HP module. There’s a single audio input with gain control and three outputs. These give you access to the different poles of the filter: 6dB, 12dB and 24dB. There are plenty of CV inputs too, a 1V/Oct frequency input, linear FM and two exponential FM inputs, all with attenuator controls. There’s CV input for the resonance too, which is unusual for a filter at this price. There’s also a ‘linear resonance distortion’ control which further alters the character of the resonance by adding some extra crunch to the resonance feedback. Another nice little touch is the 100Hz high‑pass filter button, handy for removing some of that sub bass when things get too heavy.
This filter has buckets of character. It sounds unquestionably analogue.
This filter has buckets of character. It sounds unquestionably analogue. The resonance can, at times, be difficult to tame, with the self‑resonance kicking in rather easily, but it’s easy to compensate with a little practice. The filter input gain and the resonance distortion control can combine to create some beastly sounds, if that’s your thing. Tracking is excellent and seems stable over at least four octaves when using the 1V/Oct keytrack input. Its resonance‑heavy character marries well with audio rate modulation too, and with no less than four frequency CV inputs, you won’t run out of frequency modulation options any time soon.
On balance, I would have liked to see a second audio input, for which I would gladly sacrifice one of the two exponential FM inputs, but I’m nitpicking.
Once again, IO Instruments have offered a compelling module that combines value for money, a unique style and a satisfying sound.
A solid Moog‑style low‑pass filter is a cornerstone of many modular systems. They are popular for good reason — a familiar fat sound. Whilst I don’t think the Euporie nails the Moog sound 100 percent, it certainly gets you close. Being able to switch to the Sallen & Key response, choose filter slopes and dial in extra resonance distortion means you can really tailor the sound of this filter more than most.
Considering its low cost, the Euporie offers more features than it ought to, plus it sounds great. Once again, IO‑Instruments have offered a compelling module that combines value for money, a unique style and a satisfying sound.
£130
www.io‑instruments.de
$141
www.io‑instruments.de