Herbs and Stones - Legs

Herbs and Stones Legs is an analog kick drum and percussion module that is also at home with lead sound synthesis.

The low-end voice of the Gentle Wham Drumsynth (originally designed to generate bass drums, laser zaps, etc.) was the inspiration for the development of Legs. However, the module significantly expands the range of functions. A voltage-controlled triangle core oscillator and a likewise voltage-controlled two-stage saturation unit are used for sound generation.

For each of the sound-shaping parameter potentiometers (Base Frequency, Drive, Length, Bend) a dedicated CV input is available. If this is patched, the corresponding pot turns into a CV attenuator. In addition, the range of the drive intensity can be set via the Drive-switch, while Bend Amount, alters the amount of the envelope generator affecting the VCO pitch.

Two independent gate/trigger inputs (A,B) generate accents, pattern variations or affect the track dynamics. Individual trigger conditioners allow both inputs to be driven by different types of signals. Their threshold is set to +2.5V, while the other CV inputs operate within the 0-5V signal range.

Sonically, many types of kicks (including distorted gabber bass drums) and toms are Legs' favorite playground, as well as FX sounds. When approached appropriately, it's also possible to get pitched and squelchy peaktime-burning lead sounds à la Claude Von Stroke that will rock any warehouse.

Features:

• Analog kick drum & percussion module based on an extended low-end voice of Gentle Wham
• Triangle core oscillator with two-stage saturation unit
• CV controllable base parameters: Base=VCO fundamental frequency, Drive=degree of distortion, Length=length of sound Bend=curve of envelope generator acting on VCO pitch).
• Additional sound control via drive-switch and bend-amount control
• Trigger inputs A and B with trigger conditioner (trigger A with fine tuning option of impact)