Extended Technique Generator

CROAK

verb (informal): to die. noun: a deep, hoarse sound, like that of a frog or crow.

CROAK is a dual generator that channels the raw, unpredictable energy of extended acoustic techniques.

From smooth to shattered, from digital rust to organic heaving, CROAK produces textures that feel like breathing, pushing, and resisting. A sound more real than your brain believes could come from a module.

Inspired by the playable autonomy of standalone synths like Rob Hordijk’s Benjolin and Blippobox, and Hikari’s Duos, and the visceral language of free improvisers like Steve Lacy, Colin Stetson, Evan Parker, and Peter Brötzmann — what emerges is not just a module that generates sound, but one that feels responsive and unpredictable, much like a physical instrument pushed to its limits.

With the onboard Jaunt function the two voices entwine to form the sound of reality on the verge of breaking apart—then disappear into spaces you might not return from. CROAK's design invites improvisation and interaction, giving Eurorack users access to a sound world usually reserved for acoustic experimenters.

“It needs to be played!” – Hainbach
“I’d swear it was mic’d, not patched!” – audience member

Key Characteristics

• Dual entwined voices
  From textures that breathe, break, and reshape themselves to full-system convulsions

• Eerily organic sound
  Performs with the nuance of breath, not code

• Multiple parameters per voice
  Fine-tune or go full gestural with long fader throws

• Bind switch
  Simplifies interaction; ideal for oscillator usage

• V/Oct tracking
  Accurate across more than 8 octaves

• Extended range
  From silences stretched between glacial waves, to digital shards shattering the veil of inaudible space

• Pulse output
  A shifting heartbeat at the intersection of the two voices

• Reset input
  External events reshape internal phrasing

• Onboard Jaunt effect
  A sonic teleportation engine with three destinations:

  • Body-like, hollow shells
  • Suspended spaces
  • Chaotic non-places where geometry fails

• Jaunt recall
  Quick save and return to a safer destination

• No menus
  Direct, immediate interaction

• Hi-pass filters by Shakmat
  Remove DC offset per output, or use as dual LFOs

• SD card
  Simple firmware updates via drag-and-drop

• Skiff-friendly
  Fits in shallow cases

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