L.E.P - Cassa CV

With the Cassa CV, Italian manufacturer L.E.P has introduced an upgraded version of its well-liked bass drum circuit. Originally known from the Leploop 2 synthesizer, the first Cassa module was a big success, thanks to its punchy, rather angry sound. The new model features the same basic character, but is more flexible due to two control voltage inputs.
Besides generating sound, Cassa CV is also useful as a quirky filter and distortion unit. Simply feed some audio material into the module and enjoy its lust for destruction.

Cassa CV comes equipped with two trigger inputs. A mix potentiometer enables the user to crossfade between both instances. Thanks to the dual design, it is possible to mix signals coming from two sequencers or other trigger sources to create complex polyrhythms, fills and such.

For shaping bass drums, Cassa CV offers frequency and resonance potentiometers. Additionally, there are control voltage inputs plus attenuators for both parameters. Furthermore, the strength of incoming trigger signals influences the sound. Low resonance settings lead to crisp, rather harsh kicks. Using the frequency potentiometer, it is possible to vary between slim and extremely bulgy results. High resonance values make the circuit scream bloody murder. – Still not hardcore enough yet? Then dial in the Cassa CV’s distortion circuit and listen to some of the most obnoxious bass drums on planet earth.

As the Cassa CV is basically a filter, which gets excited by trigger signals to generate sound, it is possible to use the inputs for audio material as well. The results don’t have much in common with what you might expect from a VCF. The module colors audio material intensely, squeals like a stuck pig and adds a boatload of dirt.