Unleash the Power of an Angle Grinder: Transforming it into a Percussion Generator and Loop Mangler

Unleash the Power of an Angle Grinder: Transforming it into a Percussion Generator and Loop Mangler

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Angle Grinder: An Overview
3. Percussion Generation with the Angle Grinder
   • 3.1 Creating Kicks
   • 3.2 Metallic Percussion Sounds
   • 3.3 Modulating the Envelopes
4. Adding Harmonics to Kicks
   • 4.1 Distorted and Saturated Kicks
   • 4.2 Modulating the Sliders
   • 4.3 Using Filter Outs
5. Creating High-pitched Metallic Sounds
   • 5.1 Changing the Frequency
   • 5.2 Modulating the Sliders
   • 5.3 Connecting to FM Sources
   • 5.4 Opening up the FM
6. Mangling Percussive Sounds with the Angle Grinder
   • 6.1 Panning Effects
   • 6.2 Moving the Faders
   • 6.3 Connecting to Vote for Octave
   • 6.4 Modulating the Vote for Octave
7. Conclusion

The Fabulous Angle Grinder: A Unique Percussion Generator and Mangler

Welcome to another episode of A Little Modular! In this episode, we will delve deeper into the fabulous angle grinder module. If you've been following my channel, you might have already seen my first video on this unique module. The angle grinder is not just a regular sound generator; it possesses the ability to surprise you in many ways. While it excels at aggressive sound generation and distortion, it also serves as a great percussion generator and mangler.

3. Percussion Generation with the Angle Grinder

3.1 Creating Kicks One of the tricks I discovered with the angle grinder is using it to create kicks. By taking the grind output and connecting it to a VCA, along with two envelopes for modulation, you can achieve some interesting results. Modulating the VCA with a short envelope and the one volt per octave with another envelope allows for dynamic control over the kick sound. Adjusting the attack, release, and frequency settings can yield a wide range of kick variations.

3.2 Metallic Percussion Sounds In addition to kicks, the angle grinder is capable of generating metallic percussion sounds. By changing the frequency to a higher range and experimenting with the sliders, you can produce an array of unique metallic percussive elements. Modulating the sliders and incorporating external modulation sources further expands the possibilities, resulting in complex and intriguing metallic timbres.

3.3 Modulating the Envelopes To add even more complexity to your percussion sounds, the angle grinder allows for modulation of the envelopes. By connecting different modulation sources to the envelopes and adjusting their amounts, you can create evolving and dynamic percussive sequences. The possibilities are endless, ranging from subtle variations to chaotic and unpredictable patterns.

4. Adding Harmonics to Kicks

4.1 Distorted and Saturated Kicks One of the standout features of the angle grinder is its ability to introduce harmonics to your kicks. By utilizing the faders, you can drive the sound into distortion territory, resulting in distorted and saturated kicks. Experimenting with different slider positions and modulating them with external sources will yield unique and aggressive kick variations.

4.2 Modulating the Sliders To further enhance the sound design possibilities, you can modulate the sliders themselves. By connecting modulation sources to the slider inputs and adjusting the modulation depth, you can dynamically control the harmonic content of your kicks. This allows for the creation of complex, evolving, and punchy kicks with rich low-end presence.

4.3 Using Filter Outs In addition to the faders, the angle grinder offers filter outs that can be utilized to shape and refine the character of your kicks. By sending the sound through low pass or high pass filter outs, you can achieve different tonal qualities and add further texture to your percussive elements.

Stay tuned for the next section, where we explore how to create high-pitched metallic sounds and delve into the realm of percussion mangling with the angle grinder.