WMD Chimera
Granular metallic percussion synth with infinite shimmer
8 HP Eurorack module
The Chimera is a metallic percussion synthesizer for Eurorack that uses a granular engine derived from recordings of real instruments captured with high-quality microphones and processors. It offers 11 distinct surface types, pitch control spanning 5 octaves, and three feel modes, making it capable of everything from crisp hi-hats and shimmering cymbals to alien metallic washes and infinite drone textures. Its combination of granular synthesis, onboard FX, and CV control over every parameter gives it a uniquely alive and organic character.
Features
- Granular metallic percussion synthesis engine
- 11 distinct surface types derived from real instrument recordings
- 5-octave pitch range with pitch CV input
- Pitch envelope with positive and negative decay
- Three FEEL modes: equal amplitude, rhythmic pattern, and free oscillation
- DENSITY control for grain count affecting timbral fluctuation speed
- DECAY control for amplitude envelope length
- Three onboard FX types: quality reduction, sample rate reduction, comb filtering
- FX AMT control with CV input
- Separate VCA CV input for master volume control independent of DECAY
- ACCENT input adds emphasis and resets second FEEL mode rhythm
- CHOKE input cuts note length and amplitude
Controls & Jacks (22)
- Surface — Controls the granular surface material, sweeping from soft to hard textures that shape the character of the sound.
- Pitch — Sets the base pitch of the percussion sound. Higher values create brighter, more metallic tones.
- Decay — Controls the decay time of the percussion hit, from short clicks to long sustained tails.
- Envelope — Adjusts the envelope shape affecting how the pitch and timbre evolve over the duration of the hit.
- Density — Controls the grain density, affecting the thickness and complexity of the sound texture.
- FX Amt — Sets the amount of the selected effect (reverb, delay, or distortion) applied to the output.
- Trigger — Manual trigger button for firing the percussion sound.
- Feel — Selects between different feel modes that modify the envelope and timing characteristics.
- FX — Selects the effect type applied to the output signal.
- Pitch CV — CV input for modulating the pitch parameter.
- Env CV — CV input for modulating the envelope parameter.
- Density CV — CV input for modulating the grain density parameter.
- FX Amt CV — CV input for modulating the FX amount parameter.
- Surface CV — CV input for modulating the surface parameter.
- Decay CV — CV input for modulating the decay time.
- VCA — External VCA control input for amplitude modulation of the output.
- FX — Selects the effect type applied to the output signal.
- Trig — Trigger input for firing the percussion sound. Accepts gates and triggers.
- Accent — Accent input that boosts the output level and brightness when triggered.
- Choke — Choke input that immediately silences the output when triggered, useful for hi-hat groups.
- Out — Main audio output for the percussion sound.
- Status — Indicates trigger activity and module status.
How-To Guides
- Shimmering Hi-Hat Pattern
- Infinite Cymbal Drone
- Doppler Shaker Effect
- Laser Gun Percussion Hit
- Lo-Fi Bit-Crushed Clap
- Lightning-Fast Rhythmic Ticks
- Externally Shaped Groove
- Comb Filtered Metallic Resonance
- Accented Groove with Choke
- CV-Morphed Surface Timbre
Explore the interactive Chimera panel on BleepDex — tap any control to learn what it does.
