Trepanator

The Trepanator carries the spirit of Rob Hordijk’s Benjolin; a synth which was heavily rooted in chaos theory. This analog experiment emerged from Zlob’s attempts to recreate chaotic feedback instruments using their own module ecosystem. Rather than copying Hordijk’s circuitry, they built something that shares the same DNA while speaking its own electronic dialect.

So let’s take a closer look at it and explain its inner workings in geek-speak: Two voltage-controlled oscillators feed into internal cross-patching involving a difference rectifier, sample/track and hold, a self-oscillating EQ, and a state variable filter. This creates an instrument that thrives on feedback loops between components. Touch a fader or twist a knob, and the Trepanator responds with sounds ranging from snarling and bubbling textures to rhythmic loops or harsh noise. All that is to say — expect the unexpected!

The module generates its own sounds without requiring external input. It’s a self-contained system where each element influences the others in unpredictable ways. You might discover machine-like rhythms one moment, then broken modem sounds or radio interference the next. Zlob describes this as “bent by design” — an instrument that cheerfully ignores conventional synthesis rules.

Features:

• Self-Generating Experimental Voice
• Dual VCO with cross-patched feedback architecture
• Difference rectifier circuit for interference pattern generation
• Sample/track and hold with slew processing
• Self-oscillating 3-band EQ section
• State variable filter with feedback integration
• Generates organic electronic textures without external input
• Highly interactive, unpredictable response characteristics
• Capable of rhythmic loops, chaotic textures, harsh noise and more
• Reverse power protection