Wiretap is a new tool for modular synthesizer from U-he. This 2-channel slope detector module takes voltage control signals (CVs) and converts them into rhythmic gate or pulse outputs, making it a versatile addition to your modular setup.
What Does Wiretap Do?
Wiretap tracks changes in voltage from any CV source and generates a gate or pulse when it detects a significant shift. Whether your input signal is coming from an LFO, random voltage, or manually controlled parameter, Wiretap will trigger based on its variations. This opens up endless possibilities for musical applications, including:
Triggering drum voices or envelopes
Driving sequencers
Resetting LFOs
By generating gates or pulses in real-time based on voltage fluctuations, Wiretap brings rhythmic energy to your modular system, creating a seamless bridge between melodies and percussive elements.
Two Channels for Creative Flexibility
Wiretap’s dual-channel design means you can feed two separate inputs simultaneously, with each channel having its own slope detector. However, if no input is connected to channel 2, channel 1’s signal is processed across both channels. This feature lets you extract rhythmic patterns from a single input while offering six distinct trigger outputs for varied creative responses:
Rising: Detects when the voltage rises.
Falling: Detects when the voltage falls.
Moving: Triggers when any significant movement occurs.
Step: Activates when voltage changes by a semitone (1/12V).
Higher/Lower: Compares voltages between channels, triggering when channel 1 becomes higher or lower than channel 2.
When comparing Wiretap to traditional slope detectors, the distinction lies in how they interpret voltage changes. Standard slope detectors monitor voltage motion in a fairly straightforward manner—tracking rising, falling, and moving states by setting their gate outputs high according to the current state. For example, as long as the voltage is rising, the gate remains open. However, in setups where voltages often jump, as is common with sequencers and keyboards, traditional slope detectors only generate brief, short gates during these rapid shifts.
Wiretap takes a more dynamic approach. Rather than simply recognizing the current state, it continuously scans the incoming signal for changes in motion—whether it’s rising, falling, moving, or jumping. Each of these changes triggers a new gate or pulse, giving you far more rhythmic control. Additionally, Wiretap’s Gate Time knob allows users to adjust the gate length, offering a range from short, sharp pulses to longer, sustained gates—independent of the signal’s behavior. This feature makes Wiretap especially useful in rhythmic and musical contexts where precision and control are key.
If you prefer the classic slope detector behavior, where gates are held continuously based on the voltage state, Wiretap offers a “Hold Mode,” accessible via a jumper on the back. This versatility makes Wiretap adaptable to different patching needs, whether you’re after dynamic triggers or a steady gate output.
Additionally, Wiretap’s Westcoast retrigger behavior activates its clock division powers, adding rhythmic variation and complexity to simple beats, making it ideal for adding depth to percussive patterns.
Beyond its slope detection abilities, Wiretap also features two hold-release envelopes, which act as envelope followers with fast attack times and adjustable release phases. These envelopes respond directly to input signals, holding the peak level as long as the input is high, and decaying to zero when the gate drops. This makes them perfect for shaping dynamic, responsive soundscapes.
Finally, Wiretap includes two jumper settings for further customization. One enables traditional slope detector behavior with continuous gates, while the other syncs Wiretap’s actions to a clock input, allowing for precise rhythmic control. These modes can even be combined, merging traditional and clock-synced behaviors to create complex, evolving rhythmic patterns.
FOLLOW US ON:
