wmd-chimera

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.

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