The Breakout Box (BoB) for FLUX is a must-have accessory for the stunning and innovative instrument from SOMA Laboratory. Read my recent review for an in-depth look.
WHAT DOES BoB DO?
Connecting the FLUX instrument to BoB allows you to send CV control to external devices via 10 programmable CV outputs designed to work with the Eurorack standard. The unit itself is a 6HP module and can be mounted directly in your Eurorack or kept in its included self-contained enclosure. The device is powered through the USB port.
- Timbre and tilt parameters operate from -5 to +5 volts
- Monophonic and Duophonic modes
- Pitch range spans 8 octaves — 0 to 8 volts
- Velocity range is also 0 to 8 volts
The developer notes that:
Timbre sensor outputs can be configured as 6 poles with individual outputs for each sensor; or as a three-dimensional surface (akin to a KAOSS pad with added Z dimension)
All the actions possible using the magnetic bows (tilt, flipped, etc.) that control FLUX can be used to drive any synth capable of receiving CV. This expands the possibilities well beyond the internal synthesis engines that come built-in with the instrument, which are already extraordinary.
HOW TO CONNECT AND USE THE BREAKOUT BOX?
The box is easily connected to FLUX with a USB-C cable. From there, you can use standard 3.5mm cables to connect to your external gear. There is a CV learn button to program the XYZ outputs based on how you want BoB to react to the output of FLUX.
BoB AS A MIDI CONTROLLER
In addition to enormous possibilities using BoB as a CV controller, the device also has standard MIDI DIN connectors, which can output MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression), “…with pitchbend of a channel reserved for pitch information and pressure for velocity, while timbre sensors are transmitted as CCs.”
BoB AS A MIDI TO CV CONVERTER
BoB is a class-compliant box that should be recognized by any computer as an audio MIDI device. As an added bonus, you can use this box without FLUX as a MIDI/CV converter with MPE capability.
VIDEO DEMO
CONCLUSIONS
If you own FLUX and any other external gear that takes CV, you need to get BoB. This little box allows you to access the full sonic capability of your rig with the elegant gestural and touchless control only possible with FLUX. While there are many excellent variable capacitance-style touch controllers available, using the magnetic bows of FLUX is instantly inspiring and sure to take you to new sonic territory.
EXTRAS
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