Cosmotronic - Aphelion

Aphelion by Cosmotronic — HP/LP DJ-style Filter with Three Flavours of Distortion.

In the increasingly crowded world of Eurorack filters and effects, the Cosmotronic Aphelion manages to carve out its own space by combining stereo distortion with DJ-style filtering. This 8hp module comes in a similar minimal aesthetic as their earlier releases. While this might sound like a recipe for cramped controls and compromised functionality, the layout with generous spacing between knobs suggests otherwise. It's always refreshing to see a manufacturer prioritize usability in an era where panel real estate often comes at the expense of ergonomics.

The Aphelion offers three flavors of distortion. It comes with a sonic palette that ranges from gentle warmth to face-melting aggression. Think of it as having three distinct personalities: the well-mannered overdrive for subtle coloration, the more experimental wavefolder for those "what-if" moments, and the RAT-inspired circuit that pays homage to a certain iconic distortion pedal. The ability to morph between these characters, either manually or via CV, is like having a continuous spectrum of exquisite dirt to choose from.

The inclusion of proper stereo processing is a welcome feature in the Eurorack ecosystem, where true stereo filter modules definitely aren't the norm. Pair this with the performance-oriented DJ-style filter section and bypass switch, and you've got a module that feels equally at home in both studio and performance settings. The hidden talent here is its potential to function as a stereo filter and VCA when properly controlled via CV, making it a really versatile utility player in your modular setup.

Features:

• DJ-style high-pass/low-pass filter
• Three morphable distortion circuits
• True stereo processing
• Large bypass switch
• +12dB gain boost option
• Low-cut filter mode
• Wet/dry mix control
• CV control over filter cutoffs and drive
• Output level control
• Compact 8hp
• Full analog signal path