ALM/Busy Circuits have just announced the launch of the MCO MkII, a versatile and compact digital VCO and voice Eurorack module. It comes equipped with seven voice modes capable of producing a wealth of 90s and 2000s-inspired sounds, offers an extensive amount of customisation and occupies just 6HP of space.
The module has been designed to be quick and easy to use, and features a high-resolution colour display that offers plenty of visual feedback. Each of its voices benefit from a set of customisable parameters than can be controlled or modulated by both internal and external sources and all support up to four-voice chords, external-triggered envelopes, multiple LFOs and dual audio outputs — per-voice parameters such as FM, sync and DSP also support audio-rate modulation. There are built-in LFOs and envelopes along with four freely assignable CV inputs, and the module supports the use of Axon expanders, allowing users to increase the total CV input count to eight.
Each voice includes a selection of factory presets as well as the ability to store and recall user presets, with all states preserved across power cycles. There’s also a USB-C connection which can be used for firmware updates, user wavetables upload and to backup and restore device configurations. The company have also made a virtual version of the module available for the ever-popular VCV platform.
Voice Programs
Here’s a list of the MCO MkII’s Voice Programs, along with ALM/Busy Circuits’ descriptions:
DigiWave - Wavetable Oscillator
The DigiWave is a wavetable-based voice that produces two simultaneous morphing waveforms from a factory or user-uploaded wavetable bank. The waves can be combined in multiple different ways with pulse-width modulation available across all shapes. Custom wavetables can be uploaded via USB.
ToneSum - Additive Synthesis
The ToneSum is an additive-based voice that produces a range of physical and organic sounding tones entirely from twelve combined sine waves. This distinct voice can produce anything from bright, glassy sounds to woody plucks or eerie inharmonic sweeps.
BC8000 - Variable-mode Digital Synthesis
The BC8000 is a multi-mode synthesizer voice inspired by the specialty oscillator types available in the classic JP8000 synthesiser. It can produce an array of different textures and sounds from its Supersaw, Triangle Mod, Noise and Feedback oscillator modes.
Virtana - 90s Analogue Emulation
The Virtana is a 90s-style dual-oscillator ’virtual-analogue’ synthesizer voice that’s great for producing classic subtractive sounds with bright digital clarity, and excels at thick, detuned basses, dual-oscillator chords, stirring PWM sounds and bright leads.
Sylon - Vocoder
The Sylon is a feature-packed vocoder and FFT-based reconstruction voice that produces rich robotic and harmonic sounds based on any source patched to the MCO’s External Input.
Oomph - Bass Tone & Drum Synth
The Oomph is a one-of-a-kind kick drum and bass FM synthesiser voice designed to produce powerful modern basses and tonal percussion sounds.
SID Guts - SID Chip Emulation
The SID GUTS voice is a C64-style SID chip emulation based on the (now discontinued) SID GUTS and SID GUTS DELUXE modules. This classic voice offers distinct lo-fi digital charm with aliased waves, pitched digital noise, a digital ring mod and sync for tones reminiscent of classic 80s computer game music.
Key Specs
- Current draw: 70mA +12V / 30mA -12V
- Size: 6HP
- Depth: 32mm
Pricing & Availability
The MCO MkII is available now, priced at $289£229 including VAT.
