Here is my take on emulating the Benjolin V2 from After Later Audio with a VCV Rack patch. Please read the hardware manual from ALA for background info on the Benjolin, its design, and how to use it – https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0591/4309/4430/files/Benjolin_V2_Manual_-_Rev_B.pdf?v=1631040461

I am having a blast discovering the many things it can do.

Have fun experimenting with the Benjolin emulator, and please please please – give me some feedback about your experience. Maybe post a video of your results. I encourage you to participate in the VCV community topic about this patch – https://community.vcvrack.com/t/benjolin-patch-for-vcv-show-me-what-you-can-do-with-it/17777.

To begin using the emulator, simply patch one of the filter outputs from the patch bay to the audio module input, and turn up the Filter Input Mix to begin playing some of the PWM signal.

The fun begins when you begin playing with the various user controls, and use the patch bay to create alternate routings. Or really go crazy and incorporate the Benjolin into a larger patch – modulate the Benjolin with external CV, or use the Benjolin as a chaotic CV source, or both!

All of the user controls are in the upper left labeled in orange and black. All the patch bay inputs and outputs are in the upper right labeled in black and white. Everything else should be left alone.

The Stoermelder GRIP modules lock the parameters that are not intended to be changed. On my Mac the locked parameter knobs can still be turned, but they don’t have any affect. On the PC the locked knobs will not turn.

Known significant differences from the ALA hardware (besides the obvious differences between analog and digital, as well as layout)
– Attenuverters are used instead of attenuators for CV control
– Addition of a notch filter output

Minor differences include:
– Filter output phase relationships are HP-0, BP-90, LP-180. The hardware uses HP-0, BP-90, LP-0.
– Oscillators range from 50 sec/cycle to ~8 kHz, with 12.6 Hz at noon. The hardware ranges from 45 sec/cycle to ~8 kHz with ~35 Hz at noon.
– Rungler output ranges from -4.9V to +4.9V, in 1.4V increments. The hardware ranges from approximately -4V to +3V in 1V increments.
– The Steps button (labeled 127 Steps) is 127 steps when On, corresponding to a high gate at the patch bay input, and 8/16 steps when off, corresponding to a low gate. The hardware is reversed.
– The emulator adds a VIZ module to visualize the state of the 3 Rungler bits that create the Rungler output.

Other potential differences:
– The CV inputs for the Steps (labeled 127STP), and Rate (labeled Double) override the buttons. I don’t know if the hardware inputs override the toggle switches, or if they are additive.
– The PWM and XOR outputs are bipolar 10V pp. I don’t know if the hardware is unipolar or bipolar.

Here is a list of plugins required:
Count Modula
DHE Modules
Grande
Lilac
ML Modules
NYSTHI
stoermelder
Submarine
wiqid
VCV
Vult

Note that Stoermelder is not yet officially released for Rack 2. But working binaries are available at https://github.com/stoermelder/vcvrack-packone/releases/tag/Nightly