Noise Engineering BIA
6-algorithm digital percussion synthesizer
10 HP Eurorack module
Basimilus Iteritas Alter (BIA) by Noise Engineering is a versatile digital percussion voice built around six distinct synthesis algorithms. Each algorithm offers a fundamentally different approach to sound generation—from physical modeling drum synthesis to FM and harmonic folding—making BIA capable of everything from realistic kicks and snares to metallic hits, laser zaps, and abstract textures. A built-in envelope with adjustable attack and decay controls the amplitude internally, so BIA can produce complete percussive sounds from a single trigger. All parameters are CV-controllable, enabling complex timbral evolution within a patch.
Features
- 6 selectable synthesis algorithms
- Built-in attack/decay envelope
- Stereo output
- CV control over all parameters
- Trigger and accent inputs
- Morph control for continuous timbral variation
Controls & Jacks (25)
- Liquid — LED indicator for the Liquid (FM) algorithm family. Lights when Morph position includes Liquid algorithm.
- Attack — Controls the attack time of the amplitude envelope. CCW = instant transient, CW = slower fade in. Short attacks for percussive hits, longer
- Morph — Morphs continuously between the three algorithm families: Skin (resonant body), Liquid (FM), and Metal (waveshaping). Intermediate positions
- Spread CV In — CV input for Spread parameter. Voltage-controls the harmonic spread.
- Fold CV In — CV input for Fold parameter. Voltage-controls the wavefolding amount.
- Harm — CV input for Harmonic parameter. Voltage-controls the harmonic/partial selection.
- Harmonic — Selects the harmonic ratio or partial emphasis. Determines which overtone is most prominent, fundamentally changing the timbre character.
- Fold — Wavefolding amount. Adds harmonic complexity by folding the waveform back on itself. Higher values create increasingly complex, bright timbr
- Spread — Frequency spread of the harmonic partials. CCW = tightly clustered (more tonal), CW = widely spread (more inharmonic/metallic).
- Skin — Controls the resonant body character and decay time in Skin algorithm. In other algorithms, affects related tonal parameters. Higher values
- Pitch — Fundamental pitch of the sound. Spans a wide range; use with Bass/Alto/Treble switch for different octave ranges. V/oct tracking via Pitch C
- Out — Main audio output. Carries the synthesized percussion sound.
- Alto — Pitch range switch (3-position). Selects Bass (low), Alto (mid), or Treble (high) fundamental pitch range.
- Bass/Alto/Treble CV — CV input for pitch range selection. Voltage selects between the three pitch ranges.
- Pitch CV In — CV input for pitch. 1V/octave tracking. Adds to the Pitch knob position.
- Trig — Trigger input. Fires the percussion envelope on rising edge. Accepts triggers or gates.
- Decay — CV input for Decay time. Controls the decay portion of the amplitude envelope.
- Skin/Liquid/Metal CV — CV input for algorithm family selection. Voltage selects or blends between the three algorithm families.
- Morph CV In — CV input for Morph parameter. Voltage-controls the blend between algorithm families.
- Metal — Algorithm family switch (3-position). Selects Skin (resonant body), Liquid (FM), or Metal (waveshaping) as the base algorithm. Morph knob bl
- Attack CV In — CV input for Attack time. Adds to the Attack knob position for voltage control of envelope attack.
- Bass — LED indicator for Bass pitch range.
- Mode — Indicates the currently active algorithm family by color/brightness.
- HIT — Manual trigger button. Fires the percussion envelope for auditioning sounds without an external trigger.
- Logo — Decorative LED behind the Noise Engineering logo. Flashes on trigger.
Explore the interactive BIA panel on BleepDex — tap any control to learn what it does.
