Herbs and Stones - Mousse

Herbs And Stones has created something that looks sort of like a futuristic chess board intended for sound generation. Mousse is a dual voice semi-modular groovebox that fits comfortably on your desktop. Each voice uses hybrid architecture: digital oscillators feeding analog filters and VCAs. Voice A generates its sounds through "time manipulation synthesis" — essentially running a sine wave through an audio-rate chorus for those metallic FM-ish tones. Voice B takes the classic subtractive route with morphable waveforms plus noise.

Heading over to the groovy part, sequencing and modulation — you have two 4-step sequencers that drive the voices, each with rotation controls and variable lengths. Sequencer A includes slew limiting for smooth pitch glides, while B offers a semi-random mode. The two LFOs have a unique relationship: LFO X generates random waveforms but is actually controlled by LFO Y's parameters. They share a "steps" control that transforms LFO X from white noise into quantized random melodies, while simultaneously turning LFO Y from a smooth waveform into a stepped pattern generator. LFO Y morphs between sawtooth and sine shapes, and its amplitude can even modulate LFO X's output range via the skip button.

With 40 patch points following that clean black-and-white grid, you get a pretty clear overview of the ins and outs, where each white circle marks an input. The normalled connections mean you get sound immediately, but breaking these connections opens up cross-modulation between voices, feedback patches, and integration with your Eurorack system. It is capable of generating soundscapes, intricate rhythms, noise, and groovy basslines. All inputs are protected from potentially dangerous voltages and work with standard 0-5V Eurorack signals. Separate outs for each voice plus a mix output give you options for processing and recording. Mousse is a curious groovebox of surprising wonders, and an idea machine capable of generating interesting sequences quickly.

Features:

• Two hybrid voices: digital oscillators with analog VCFs and VCAs (11 CV inputs per voice)
• Voice A: Time manipulation synthesis (sine + audio-rate chorus)
• Voice B: Subtractive synthesis with morphable waveforms and noise
• Two 4-step sequencers with rotation, variable length, gate outputs, and pitch CV output
• Sequencer A: Slew limiter with CV control
• Sequencer B: Semi-random mode option
• Two interconnected LFOs: LFO X (random) controlled by LFO Y parameters
• Shared step quantization for both LFOs
• Two decay envelopes with curve invert inputs
• 40 patch points in semi-modular configuration
• Analog multimode filters per voice (LP/BP/HP)
• CV-controllable master clock with sync I/O
• Individual 1/4" outputs for Voice A, Voice B, and Mix
• Protected inputs for 0-5V Eurorack compatibility (1/8" jacks)
• Desktop format: 31x20x6 cm, 2kg