What I'm working on is basically a "randomized" sampler to play live. One of my favorite things about the Microfreak is that you can modulate the arpeggiator/sequencer rate and get really off the grid in a tactile way. I want to do this in a sampler and sort of create like an instrumental hip hop version of free jazz.
-- Zacksname

It's not really modular but since you mentioned the MicroFreak. It recently received a firmware update that turns it into a sampler & granular engine. With some additional tweaking, I think you can pull off what you intended, like I show in my video:

https://


So which is your favorite shifter, and why? do u think digital vs analog makes sense for a shifter comparison, or own both kind of approach do u think ?
-- fzzz

For me, the main two differences between DSP-based and analog frequency shifters are:
1) DSP-based shifters produce aliasing of the high frequencies when shifting upwards. This can of course be a wanted effect. Some VST plugins also have compensation for that: https://soniccharge.com/echobode
2) Analog shifters only have aliasing for low frequencies when shifting downwards. But often, the signal bleed through of the modulating oscillator is a problem. Especially, when I want to use them with delay and feedback.


I also have the FreakShift and the Doepfer A-126-2. I did a quick comparison and posted some pros and cons of both here:
https://modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=3684106#p3684106
https://modwiggler.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=3686851#p3686851

Note that the Xaoc is not analog, but DSP based and can this easily implement stereo processing at an affordable price.


I agree with some of the above posts, that for really precise inharmonic spectra and corresponding tuning, you should use software synthesizers. It should be relatively easy to come up with inharmonic, additive synths and custom tuning in PureData and bring that to some programmable DSP module like Befaco Lich: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/befaco-lich

However, if you want the challenge and stay in the analog domain, then there is another option. You can use any standard VCO and route its output through a frequency shifter. When you couple the FM input of the VCO with the right amount of frequency shifting CV you can get inharmonic spectra and custom tuning. The downside is that high quality analog frequency shifters are expensive modules: https://www.modulargrid.net/e/cwejman-fsh-1-


Hi, I also dabble in inharmonic sounds and got two modules for it:
ModularGrid Rack

1) Harmonic Shift Oscillator
As you mentioned, it allows you to change the harmonic stride in the range from 0.0 to 4.0. A natural, harmonic sound would have a stride of 1.0. This parameter can even be CV controlled and is a really funky and unique feature of the module. Be aware that you need at least two of those modules to make the kind of experimental intervals as shown in the video you posted.
With the HSO It's pretty easy to generate bass sounds that have a gnarly bass guitar feel to it, by using a slightly inharmonic stride (e.g., 1.05) . As with low piano strings, bass guitar strings have a noticeable inharmonicity due to the stiffness of the strings.

2) Dreadbox Antiphon
This comes with 8 sinus oscillators which you can use to build up complex sounds by mixing them together and adjusting the frequency of each harmonic to your liking. However, you need to tune the range and offset for all 8 oscillators which is really difficult and time consuming and you need some external tuner or spectrum viewer to do that properly.