This is my third version of a VCV Rack Benjolin patch, with a much improved user
interface and some added features. I hope you have as much fun with this patch as
I do – I find it great for live performance. Feel free to use and abuse the patch
as you see fit. I only ask that you give me a shout out on Patch Storage or the
VCV Forum if you do something interesting with it.
There are three patch files available in the zip file – simply expand the contents wherever you normally store your patches and/or selections:
Benjolin V3.vcv – a base patch with only the Benjolin and an Audio module
Benjolin V3.vcvs – a Benjolin selection set. Be sure to always use the Stoermelder
Strip++ when inserting the selection into your patch, otherwise critical Patch
Master mappings will be lost.
Benjolin V3 Resonance CV Demo.vcv – A patch demonstrating some possibilities with
the new resonance CV input. All modulation and audio is generated by the Benjolin,
except for some delay and reverb added to the final output.
The intent for the VCV Benjolin patch usage is to only manipulate knobs/buttons
within the Patch Master User Interface in the upper left. All patching should
be done in the labeled patch bay in the upper right.
The Benjolin V3 patch and selection include Notes that briefly explain each of the
controls and patch bay ports. Feel free to delete the Notes once you get acclimated
to the patch.
This VCV Benjolin patch started with the specifications found in the After Later
Audio Benjolin documentation. I then added a few additional features. I believe
it gives results that are very similar to the actual hardware.
To get the most out of this patch, I highly recommend reading the After Later
Audio Benjolin documentation found at:
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0591/4309/4430/files/Benjolin_V2_Manual_-_Rev_B.pdf?v=1631040461
The ALA hardware and VCV patch controls are not all labeled the same, but it should
be pretty obvious what maps to what.
The biggest addition to this version of my patch (besides the new Patch Master UI),
is the new resonance CV input in the patch bay. It really opens up dynamic
possibilities. The included demo patch shows how a slow TRI 2 patched to the
resonance CV input can lead to some really nice swells.
I’ve also changed which shift register bits I use to create the Rungler output.
The hardware uses three consecutive bits, whereas I chose to use bits 1, 3, and 6.
Both versions have a total of 8 possible values, but the consecutive bits have a
more limited set of sequences – for any current value, the next value can only have
one of two possibilities. By spreading the bits it is possible for all permutations
to be adjacent.
The oscillator ranges are virtually identical to the hardware ever since I switched
from Nysthi to VCV LFOs.
Fully CCW: VCV = 44 sec/cycle, Hardware = 45 sec/cycle
Noon: VCV = 23.5 Hz, Hardware = 20-40 Hz
Fully CW: VCV = 8060 Hz, Hardware = ~8000 Hz
Other differences remain the same as with my original Benjolin patch:
– Attenuverters are used instead of attenuators for CV control
– Addition of a notch filter output
– Filter output phase relationships are HP-0, BP-90, LP-180.
The hardware uses HP-0, BP-90, LP-0.
– 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.
– The hardware VCF should not self oscillate unless the band pass output is fed back
into the external VCF input. The VCV patch indeed does not self oscillate, but it
also does not quite self oscillate with the BP fed back – it requires the smallest
touch of energy at the input to initiate the self oscillation.
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.
