Manufacturer's description
More passive sounds - drums and more. After the big success of the passive operator mini drum synthesizer that works on trigger gate and control voltage we decided to take it to the next level in Eurorack.
Where do you have more? CV trigger Gate then straight from the rack 16 HP and no powered need. A lot of experimental purpose with patch matrix and playing with touch and compartments if you need it.
Introduction
The Passive Operator is a one-of-a-kind drum synthesizer that operates without the need for an external power supply. Instead, it relies on triggers, gates, and Control Voltage (CV) signals, making it compatible with Eurorack modular systems or standalone setups.
Developed as part of the Tropical Noise platform, this drum synthesizer offers experimental sounds and a truly unique sonic experience. In this article, we will explore the features and capabilities of the Passive Operator, highlighting its design, functionality, and the potential for creative sound manipulation.
1. Design and Construction: The Passive Operator is housed in a sturdy bricky format box made of solid aluminium. Its robust construction ensures durability and reliability, making it suitable for both studio and live performances. The device features different compartments, each serving a specific purpose in shaping the sound.
2. Input Compartments: The Passive Operator boasts two input compartments, labeled "WTF in 2x." These inputs are located on the left side of the device and accept CV, gate, trigger, and even audio signals. The sensitivity of these inputs allows for precise control and modulation, enabling users to create intricate rhythmic patterns and dynamic soundscapes.
3. Mix Compartment: The mix compartment serves as a central hub for signal routing. By connecting the mix output to the matrix, users can explore various combinations of triggers and CV signals, resulting in unique rhythms and tonal variations. The mix compartment enhances the versatility of the Passive Operator, allowing for seamless integration with other modular gear or audio equipment.
4. Patch Matrix in and Outputs: The patch matrix provides multiple outputs for triggers and Control Voltage, expanding the creative possibilities of the Passive Operator. Users can experiment with different patching configurations, both internally within the matrix and externally to other jacks. Additionally, the matrix offers control over the potential meters, enabling users to fine-tune their sound by finding sweet spots and manipulating the tonal characteristics.
5. Customization and Expansion: One notable feature of the Passive Operator is its ability to accommodate electronica compartments. This unique design aspect allows users to swap out compartments, effectively changing the sound characteristics of the device. Furthermore, the addition of a touchpad offers an alternative control method, enabling users to interact with the synthesizer using their fingers, adding a tactile and expressive dimension to their performances.
Conclusion: The Passive Operator is a remarkable drum synthesizer that defies convention by operating without the need for external power. Its unique design, experimental sounds, and versatile functionality make it a standout option for musicians and sound enthusiasts. The combination of triggers, gates, and Control Voltage signals opens up a world of creative possibilities, allowing users to sculpt their own unique rhythms and tones.
What’s in the box?
The Passive Operator Eurorack module, plus a small bag of 10 capacitors that you can switch, and a Trigger Finger - a small panel that you can use for touch interface and playing around.
- Width: 14HP
How much is my shipping?
Shipping is automatically calculated before you submit your payment information. Simply add items to your cart and proceed to the checkout page, where you'll be offered shipping options and their prices. In the UK, 'next working day' shipping is free if the order value is over £150, and £5 otherwise. We can also ship on a 'next working day before 12pm' service, which costs £6 for orders over £150 and £7.50 for orders under £150.
Shipping to mainland EU typically costs between £7 and £20, depending on the shipping method and the size and weight of the order.
Do you ship to my country?
Almost certainly - the site will give you an estimate of shipping costs if you add an item to the cart and then enter your country and postcode. If you have specific requirements (such as if you prefer UPS over FedEx, for example) then let us know in advance and we'll try to work something out for you.
Shipping methods
We use a combination of DPD, Royal Mail and Parcelforce for the UK, and for international orders it's either DHL, FedEx, UPS, Royal Mail or Parcelforce depending on where you are in the world. If you have a particular preference then try to let us know BEFORE you order so we can look into it for you. Please note that there may occasionally be additional shipping charges if you live in a remote area, depending on what surcharges are applied by the shipper. We'll get in touch to discuss this with you in such cases.
Dispatch times
For UK orders, we aim to dispatch the same working day if we get the order before 16:00. If you have a really urgent situation then of course drop us an email before ordering and we'll always do our absolute best to accommodate you.
For international orders, we normally dispatch the same day if we get the order before 13:00 but again, occasionally it might be the next day before we can send it out, and sometimes the couriers may come to collect a little earlier than scheduled which would also push an order into the next day.
Saturday/Sunday shipping
If you're in the UK and you order before 16:00 on a Friday then we can send something for a Saturday or Sunday delivery with DPD. This is FREE for order values over £350, £5 for order values between £75 and £250, and £7 for order values under £75. (NB: this applies to UK mainland addresses only). Please note that any orders placed after 16:00 on a Friday will ship on the Monday.
International shipping times
Since April 2020, the couriers we use have suspended guarantees for shipping times, so even though we're paying them for priority services - 24-48 hours for most of the world - in practice it's often an extra day on top and sometimes it can be longer. There is absolutely nothing we can do about this, unfortunately. If you are outside the UK and it's a life-or-death situation where you absolutely MUST have that passive mult for the next day then... it may be better to find a local supplier.
Pre-orders
If a product is listed as a pre-order, it means we've ordered it from the supplier but it's not physically in stock yet. The product listing will include an estimated shipping date based on the best information we have from the supplier, but do bear in mind this is subject to change and is not a guaranteed date.
If you place an order containing a mixture of in-stock and pre-order items, we'll normally hold off on shipping anything until the pre-order item(s) have arrived, rather than splitting it into multiple shipments. If you need the in-stock items sooner, we'd recommend placing separate orders. As always, please get in touch if you have questions.
Product Overview
Manufacturer's description
More passive sounds - drums and more. After the big success of the passive operator mini drum synthesizer that works on trigger gate and control voltage we decided to take it to the next level in Eurorack.
Where do you have more? CV trigger Gate then straight from the rack 16 HP and no powered need. A lot of experimental purpose with patch matrix and playing with touch and compartments if you need it.
Introduction
The Passive Operator is a one-of-a-kind drum synthesizer that operates without the need for an external power supply. Instead, it relies on triggers, gates, and Control Voltage (CV) signals, making it compatible with Eurorack modular systems or standalone setups.
Developed as part of the Tropical Noise platform, this drum synthesizer offers experimental sounds and a truly unique sonic experience. In this article, we will explore the features and capabilities of the Passive Operator, highlighting its design, functionality, and the potential for creative sound manipulation.
1. Design and Construction: The Passive Operator is housed in a sturdy bricky format box made of solid aluminium. Its robust construction ensures durability and reliability, making it suitable for both studio and live performances. The device features different compartments, each serving a specific purpose in shaping the sound.
2. Input Compartments: The Passive Operator boasts two input compartments, labeled "WTF in 2x." These inputs are located on the left side of the device and accept CV, gate, trigger, and even audio signals. The sensitivity of these inputs allows for precise control and modulation, enabling users to create intricate rhythmic patterns and dynamic soundscapes.
3. Mix Compartment: The mix compartment serves as a central hub for signal routing. By connecting the mix output to the matrix, users can explore various combinations of triggers and CV signals, resulting in unique rhythms and tonal variations. The mix compartment enhances the versatility of the Passive Operator, allowing for seamless integration with other modular gear or audio equipment.
4. Patch Matrix in and Outputs: The patch matrix provides multiple outputs for triggers and Control Voltage, expanding the creative possibilities of the Passive Operator. Users can experiment with different patching configurations, both internally within the matrix and externally to other jacks. Additionally, the matrix offers control over the potential meters, enabling users to fine-tune their sound by finding sweet spots and manipulating the tonal characteristics.
5. Customization and Expansion: One notable feature of the Passive Operator is its ability to accommodate electronica compartments. This unique design aspect allows users to swap out compartments, effectively changing the sound characteristics of the device. Furthermore, the addition of a touchpad offers an alternative control method, enabling users to interact with the synthesizer using their fingers, adding a tactile and expressive dimension to their performances.
Conclusion: The Passive Operator is a remarkable drum synthesizer that defies convention by operating without the need for external power. Its unique design, experimental sounds, and versatile functionality make it a standout option for musicians and sound enthusiasts. The combination of triggers, gates, and Control Voltage signals opens up a world of creative possibilities, allowing users to sculpt their own unique rhythms and tones.
What’s in the box?
The Passive Operator Eurorack module, plus a small bag of 10 capacitors that you can switch, and a Trigger Finger - a small panel that you can use for touch interface and playing around.
Technical Specs
Shipping Details
How much is my shipping?
Shipping is automatically calculated before you submit your payment information. Simply add items to your cart and proceed to the checkout page, where you'll be offered shipping options and their prices. In the UK, 'next working day' shipping is free if the order value is over £150, and £5 otherwise. We can also ship on a 'next working day before 12pm' service, which costs £6 for orders over £150 and £7.50 for orders under £150.
Shipping to mainland EU typically costs between £7 and £20, depending on the shipping method and the size and weight of the order.
Do you ship to my country?
Almost certainly - the site will give you an estimate of shipping costs if you add an item to the cart and then enter your country and postcode. If you have specific requirements (such as if you prefer UPS over FedEx, for example) then let us know in advance and we'll try to work something out for you.
Shipping methods
We use a combination of DPD, Royal Mail and Parcelforce for the UK, and for international orders it's either DHL, FedEx, UPS, Royal Mail or Parcelforce depending on where you are in the world. If you have a particular preference then try to let us know BEFORE you order so we can look into it for you. Please note that there may occasionally be additional shipping charges if you live in a remote area, depending on what surcharges are applied by the shipper. We'll get in touch to discuss this with you in such cases.
Dispatch times
For UK orders, we aim to dispatch the same working day if we get the order before 16:00. If you have a really urgent situation then of course drop us an email before ordering and we'll always do our absolute best to accommodate you.
For international orders, we normally dispatch the same day if we get the order before 13:00 but again, occasionally it might be the next day before we can send it out, and sometimes the couriers may come to collect a little earlier than scheduled which would also push an order into the next day.
Saturday/Sunday shipping
If you're in the UK and you order before 16:00 on a Friday then we can send something for a Saturday or Sunday delivery with DPD. This is FREE for order values over £350, £5 for order values between £75 and £250, and £7 for order values under £75. (NB: this applies to UK mainland addresses only). Please note that any orders placed after 16:00 on a Friday will ship on the Monday.
International shipping times
Since April 2020, the couriers we use have suspended guarantees for shipping times, so even though we're paying them for priority services - 24-48 hours for most of the world - in practice it's often an extra day on top and sometimes it can be longer. There is absolutely nothing we can do about this, unfortunately. If you are outside the UK and it's a life-or-death situation where you absolutely MUST have that passive mult for the next day then... it may be better to find a local supplier.
Pre-orders
If a product is listed as a pre-order, it means we've ordered it from the supplier but it's not physically in stock yet. The product listing will include an estimated shipping date based on the best information we have from the supplier, but do bear in mind this is subject to change and is not a guaranteed date.
If you place an order containing a mixture of in-stock and pre-order items, we'll normally hold off on shipping anything until the pre-order item(s) have arrived, rather than splitting it into multiple shipments. If you need the in-stock items sooner, we'd recommend placing separate orders. As always, please get in touch if you have questions.
