Grayscale - Nexus

The Grayscale Nexus — a 12 Channel VCA Overlord reviving the concept of keyframing.

Features:

• Keyframing concept: Store up to 32 keyframes along a timeline
• Control 12 VCA channels with one macro knob
• Smooth interpolation algorithms ensures “non-choppy” level transitions
• Modulate timeline witht he knob, external CV or sequence it with a trigger source
• Faster and easier workflow than previous models
• Increased VCA Channels: Includes 8 additional channels
• User Presets: Store up to 12 user presets

Wow this thing looks nice… functional minimalism! However this module is anything but minimal. The Grayscale Nexus is an advanced VCA macro controller that reintroduces the concept of keyframing originally found on the now discontinued Mutable Instruments Frames. This is not a simple clone, but rather an expansion of the functionality of the original Frames.
The keyframing concept comes from the world of digital animation and in the Nexus it allows for clever control over 12 VCA channels via a single knob. Imagine keyframing as setting specific points on a timeline where different levels are locked in; Nexus stores up to 32 of these keyframes. You then advance the keyframe timeline with the large knob in the center. Naturally it can also be controlled via CV or through a trig sequence. Transitions between these points are handled with a sophisticated interpolation algorithm that ensures smooth, non-choppy level changes. 

The Nexus module can do so much! It can function as a mixer, VCA, sequencer, LFO, envelope generator, attenuator, clock divider, sequential switch, stereo or quadraphonic panner, multi-channel crossfader, and more. To go over it all here is quite extensive. In order for you to get a better understanding on how it operates exactly we would recommend you to head over to their website to check out the instructions and examples.

This thing really is Frames on steroids, not only does it give you 12 VCA channels instead of the original 4 but you also get expanded memory. It now has 12 preset slots instead of one. It can handle CV as well as Audio and it does it in stereo now too + there’s a handy auto-save feature and the list goes on…
The redesigned user interface enables simultaneous editing of multiple channels. The guts of this module have also been improved from the original to eliminate channel bleed and even though the VCAs are digitally controlled, the signal path remains completely analog!
Grayscale has made it a habit of making their modules open source. The Nexus isn’t available like that yet (but we guess it will be soon!).

This module is deep and wonderful – it demands that you spend time programming it, but what it offers in return is something quite unique + it’s a darn nice looking module!