VCB-SKPR- User Manual

Overview

The VCB-SKPR is a sophisticated delay, distortion, extreme granular, chopper that slices audio in real-time and manipulates the order, pitch, and direction of these slices. It also contains VCB virtual circuit bending modeling as well as compact disc modeling. This manual covers all modules and parameters of the complete system.

Signal Flow

The audio signal follows this path through the system:

Input → Time Stretcher → CD Skipper → VCB → Mutation Sequencer → Mod Crack (Dirty Crow) → Output

Variable Signal Path Options:

  • Mod Crack Position: Can be placed Pre (before) or Post (after) the Mutation Sequencer stutter effect
  • Probability Mix: The Dry/Wet parameter controls probability (0-100%) of CD Skipper slice activation, creating dynamic blending between processed and unprocessed audio

Module 1: Stretch

Our time manipulation system offers two distinct approaches to temporal processing, inspired by Paul Nasca's Paulstretch algorithm that can transform brief audio moments into expansive ambient textures.

Stretching Modes

Two-Grain Stretcher (Mode 1)

  • Stretch Parameter: 0-100% time stretching (100% = infinite loop)
  • Character: Precise time dilation with weathered, processed character
  • Best For: Clean ambient stretches, detailed time manipulation

Reverby Multi-Grain Stretcher (Mode 2) - "Lots of Fiber"

  • Stretch Parameter: 0-100% (also controls reverb amount)
  • Features:Cinematic, octave-shifted processingBuilt-in reverb saturationPitch shifts one octave upWavey, ethereal atmospheric textures
  • Best For: Bass-heavy sounds, cinematic soundscapes, ambient textures

Module 2: CD Skipper Core Engine

Inspired by Oval's groundbreaking 94diskont album, where Markus Popp deliberately damaged CDs to create glitch music. This module recreates various CD malfunction states and anti-skip behaviors.

Main Parameters

Repeat Rate - Stutter frequency synchronized to DAW tempo
Repeat Time - Duration of each repeated segment (most audible in Pause mode)
Pitch - Shifts slice pitch by semitones (may introduce aliasing)
Anti-Skip - Creates different random slices for left/right channels, widening stereo imageBass BoostAdds bass enhancement and distortion to output

Transport Modes (Navigation)

Drawing from experimental techniques used by artists studying CD error correction:

  1. Loop: Continuously repeats selected audio segment
  2. Reverse: Plays audio backwards from current position
  3. Play: Single playback pass with pitch shifting capabilities
  4. Pause: Freezes playback at current position, creating sustained repetition
  5. Skip: Randomized jumping between different audio positions

CD Models (Vessel Conditions)

Recreating anti-skip behaviors studied by experimental sound artist Yasunao Tone, who created "wounded CDs" using scotch tape and ink to force players into error states:

Clean - Pristine digital processing, no artifacts
Clean Clicks - Subtle artifacts with gate effect (90% duty cycle) tied to repeat rate
Lo-fi - Pitch clicks with 5% sample rate reduction
More Lo-fi - Intensified clicks with 10% sample rate reduction
Crashed - Extreme click distortion, reduced bit-depth, no interpolation

Module 3: Virtual Circuit Bending (VCB)

Honoring Reed Ghazala (who coined "circuit bending" after accidentally short-circuiting a toy in 1966) and CD Bitch (anonymous hacker who circuit-bent anti-skip protection in portable CD players). Our VCB technology captures the essence of damaged hardware - different CD models and circuitry were burned, trashed, and we captured their last dying breath.

VCB Controls

Switches 1-9: Toggle combinations that activate different models of circuit bending which interact differently with each CD model and parameter. This creates a living, breathing organism where each switch combination forms a unique symbiotic relationship with your chosen CD model, transport mode, and core parameters. The VCB system doesn't just apply effects - it evolves and responds dynamically to every other setting in the system, creating emergent behaviors that can't be predicted, only discovered.

Intensity Knob: Multiplier for all VCB parameters - controls how intensely the circuit bending effects are applied

Module 4: Mutation Sequencer 

Paying homage to Aphex Twin, Autechre, Squarepusher, and Alan Turing's pattern theory, this module conducts controlled chaos against predictable rhythm patterns.

Parameters

Stutter Switch - Activates stutter effect (50% probability per trigger)
Pitch Switch - Activates octave changes (50% probability per trigger)
Rate - Speed of the rhythmic evolution system
Steps - Number of beats before pattern repeats or evolves
Chance - Likelihood of each cycle spawning new chaos instead of repeating
Lock - Freeze current mutation pattern when desired results are achieved

Operation

  • Creates controlled rebellion against predictable rhythm
  • Each step probabilistically triggers assigned effects
  • Patterns can evolve and transform based on chance settings
  • Lock function preserves discovered sonic treasures

Module 5: Dirty Crow

Inspired by the ZVEX Fuzz Factory and countless trials and errors circuit bending unnamed Boss distortion pedals, this distortion module doesn't just process signals - it transforms them through extreme filtering and controlled feedback chaos.

Parameters

Dirty Crow Switch Dirty - Controlled distortion with dry signal blend 
Crow - Extreme resonance and intense processing
Intensity - Amount of distortion applied (from gentle to extreme)
Cutoff - Dual filtering (bandpass + highpass) for frequency sculpting
FeedbackCAUTION - Global feedback creating self-oscillating effects
Pre/PostPre - Raw processing before stutter<br>
Post - Smooth processing after stutter

Usage Notes

  • Dirty Mode - Musical, controlled distortion suitable for most applications
  • Crow Mode - Extreme processing for experimental sound design
  • Feedback - Use carefully - can produce very loud, unpredictable self-oscillation
  • Pre/Post - Dramatically changes stutter effect character

Dr/Wet Probability System

Unlike traditional wet/dry mixing, the CD Skipper uses a probability-based system where each audio sample "flips a coin" to determine processing. This creates dynamic, BPM-synced uncertainty.

Probability Control

  • 0%: Always dry signal (no processing)
  • 50%: Maximum uncertainty (equal chance of processed/dry)
  • 100%: Always wet signal (full processing)

The system is BPM synchronized, ensuring rhythmic coherence while maintaining chaos.

Seven Snapshots System

Instant recall system for capturing and switching between sonic discoveries without interrupting creative flow. Have a great idea? Click on the snapshot button for a second and it is stored. Have another one and do it again. Toggle back and forth as fast as you like - the changes will happen instantly.

Features

  • 7 Snapshot Slots: Store complete parameter states with a simple click and hold
  • One-Click Recall: Toggle between stored configurations instantly
  • Flow Preservation: No menu navigation required
  • Real-Time Switching: Change settings without audio interruption

Usage

Click and hold any snapshot button for one second to store current settings. Single click to recall. Switch between snapshots as fast as you want during performance for dynamic sound design.