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  • Review: Strymon Starlab

Review: Strymon Starlab

Strymon has gifted the modular community with something like a Euro rack version of Big Sky or Night Sky only with (even more) knobs on.

By Audio Technology

9 February 2022

Review: Christopher Steller

Earth to Starlab, do you copy? ‘Well, yes, actually, I do copy… only with an additional LFO, filter, pitch shift and modulation parameters, multiple reverb algorithms to create shimmery, lush, ambient environments, and a string synth waveform generator for added tonal goodness. Is that enough for you?’

The modular synthesizer market has become something of a juggernaut of technology development, with constant releases (especially in the digital realm), and it just keeps growing. With the additional (and inevitable) crossover into the DSP-based effects pedal zone, which is also blooming, manufacturers would be crazy not to combine the two markets into a single product.

Strymon’s latest entry into the modular effects world is its ‘time-warped reverberator’ known as Starlab, featuring a mind boggling collection of parameters, perfect for the current trend in droning, infinite synthesis.

ENTERING THE LAB

My first instinct on a module like this is to crank every parameter to the max (the ‘saturate everything’ theorem). But to test the Starlab’s versatility, I wanted to find out how simply each individual processor could operate. Once you work your way around Starlab, it’s quite easy to isolate sounds via the Dry and Wet controls — the reverb decay, the LFO depth and the delay’s feedback amount — so sections can be brought in and taken out of the mix.

The individual sections of Starlab are reasonably straightforward, but when combining sections, or modulating parameters with external LFOs, etc, the results are often incomprehensibly complex and just as pleasing. Keeping the Decay control, LFO depth and filter settings on zero allowed me to hear the processed signal as a simple delay, with delay time (and a tap tempo button for quick matching) plus feedback controls.

Next, bringing up the LFO depth gives modulation of the delays, with selectable waveforms and speed control. The LFO’s Target switch selects delay, pitch or filter to be modulated, giving some stunning results. A very quick turn of the Decay knob feeds a slow, pitch-modulated delay into the reverb and we’re suddenly floating away in a dreamy haze.

REVERB SECTION

The reverb section controls are spread out around the panel with the Size/Pitch knob at the top adjusting actual reverb length (giving you that tape speed change sound when adjusted quickly), while the Texture switch selects one of three different reverb structures, described from the manual as:

Sparse: Granular-sounding reverb that can create interesting effects with staccato inputs, or produce a clean reverb with sustained inputs.

Dense: Plate-like reverb with a fast response and dense reflections that can venture into ambient territory at high decay times.

Diffuse: Slow-building, atmospheric wash that excels at ambient, swell, and even reverse-like textures.

NEED TO KNOW

Strymon Starlab
Time Warped Euro Rack Reverberator
  • PRICE

    A$999

  • CONTACT

    Amber Technology: 1800 251 367 or ambertech.com.au

  • PROS

    Quality sound
    Amazing control

  • CONS

    Pricey

  • SUMMARY

    The best of Strymon’s shimmery, complex reverbs will find a home in primo Euro Rack setups everywhere. The extent of the control available is as mind expanding as the epic reverb tails. Starlab and a step sequencer is all you need to submerge yourself in the vast modular ocean.

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<p style='text-align: left;'><b>LEFT IN</b> — Left audio input. Use for mono input.</p> <p>
</p> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>RIGHT IN</b> — Right audio input.</p> <p>
</p> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>LEFT OUT </b> — Left audio output. Use for mono output.</p> <p>
</p> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>RIGHT OUT</b> — Right audio output.</p> <p>
</p> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>INFINITE CV </b> — Engages the infinite effect to hold the input signal going into the reverb. Rising edge trigger will toggle the state. Can be set to momentary or latching response.</p> <p>
</p> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>IN GATE CV</b> — Gates the input to the reverb when CV is high. When in Karplus-Strong mode, continuously excites or ‘bows’ the string. Can be set to latching or momentary response.</p> <p>
</p> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>FAVORITE CV </b> — Toggles between the physical knob/switch settings of the module and the selected Favorite preset setting on rising edge.</p> <p>
</p> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>DRY</b> — <span dir='ltr' role='presentation'>Sets the level of unprocessed input </span><span dir='ltr' role='presentation'>signal sent to the output.</span></p> <p>
</p> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>INPUT GAIN</b> — <span dir='ltr' role='presentation'>Controls the gain of the input </span><span dir='ltr' role='presentation'>signal fed to the reverb structure through a </span><span dir='ltr' role='presentation'>soft clipping input stage. LED indicates signal </span><span dir='ltr' role='presentation'>level from </span><span dir='ltr' role='presentation'>GREEN</span><span dir='ltr' role='presentation'> for clean reverb to </span><span dir='ltr' role='presentation'>RED</span><span dir='ltr' role='presentation'> for </span><span dir='ltr' role='presentation'>soft-clipping distortion.</span></p> <p>
</p> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>TEXTURE </b>– <span dir='ltr' role='presentation'>Selects one of three different </span><span dir='ltr' role='presentation'>reverb structures. S</span><span dir='ltr' role='presentation'>parse is a granular-sounding reverb that can </span><span dir='ltr' role='presentation'>create interesting effects with staccato </span><span dir='ltr' role='presentation'>inputs, or produce a clean reverb with </span><span dir='ltr' role='presentation'>sustained inputs. D</span><span dir='ltr' role='presentation'>ense is a plate-like reverb with a fast </span><span dir='ltr' role='presentation'>response and dense reflections that can </span><span dir='ltr' role='presentation'>venture into ambient territory at high </span><span dir='ltr' role='presentation'>decay times. D</span><span dir='ltr' role='presentation'>iffuse is a slow-building, atmospheric wash </span><span dir='ltr' role='presentation'>that excels at ambient, swell, and even </span><span dir='ltr' role='presentation'>reverse-like textures.</span></p> <p>
</p> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>LOW DAMP </b> — Removes low end content both at the output and in the regenerating core portion of the reverb. In Karplus-Strong mode, removes low frequency content of the string.</p> <p>
</p> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>SHIMMER CV </b>— Sets shimmer gain. Knob position acts as an offset.</p> <p>
</p> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>INTERVAL CV</b> — Sets pitch interval for shimmer. Quantized to 1/2 steps over +/- 1 octave range.</p> <p>
</p> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>ECHO ON CV</b> _ Busses the delay output to the WET output to mix with the reverb signal.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>
</p> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>INFINITE</b> — Holds the current audio input to the reverb while allowing new audio to continue being processed by the reverb. Press and hold for 2 seconds for PITCH QUANTIZE mode where SIZE/PITCH values are restricted to the selected scale.</p> <p>
</p> <p style='text-align: left;'><strong>SHIMMER </strong> – <span dir='ltr' role='presentation'>Adds pitch shifting to the </span><span dir='ltr' role='presentation'>reverberated signal. Effect is off when </span><span dir='ltr' role='presentation'>SHIMMER knob is fully counterclockwise.</span></p> <p>
</p> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>REGEN </b> — <span dir='ltr' role='presentation'>Selects regenerative shimmer which </span><span dir='ltr' role='presentation'>applies the pitch shifting within the reverb </span><span dir='ltr' role='presentation'>structure (REGEN LED GREEN) or input </span><span dir='ltr' role='presentation'>shimmer which applies the pitch shifting at </span><span dir='ltr' role='presentation'>the input before the reverb structure (REGEN </span><span dir='ltr' role='presentation'>LED off).</span></p> <p>
</p> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>HIGH DAMP</b> — Removes high frequency content from the regenerating reverb structure as the knob is turned clockwise. In Karplus-Strong mode, dampens the high end harmonics as the string decays.</p> <p>
</p> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>HIGH DAMP CV</b> — Affects the wet signal high end filtering. Positive voltage opens filter. Knob position acts as an offset.</p> <p>
</p> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>SIZE/PITCH </b>— Changes the process rate and size of the reverb structure while maintaining the integrity of the reverb audio. Turning clockwise increases the reverb size and lowers the pitch of any regenerating audio in the reverb structure.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>
</p> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <p style='text-align: left;'><strong>GLIMMER</strong> — Dynamically enhances aspects of the input signal’s harmonic spectrum.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>
</p> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>HIGH BAND</b> — Selects between the high band (HIGH BAND LED GREEN) or low band (HIGH BAND LED off) harmonics to be enhanced by the glimmer effect.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>
</p> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>LOW PASS</b> — Changes the HIGH DAMP function to a 24dB/octave low pass filter applied at the output of the reverb.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>
</p> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>GLIMMER CV </b> — Sets glimmer gain. Knob position acts as offset.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>
</p> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>SPEED</b> — Controls the period of the LFO waveform from 15 seconds to 1/15th second (15Hz). When Envelope (env) is the selected waveform, SPEED controls the decay rate of the envelope. When LFO CLK IN CV is detected, SPEED knob acts as a clock divider/multiplier.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>
</p> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>FAVORITE </b>— <span dir='ltr' role='presentation'>Recalls the currently selected </span><span dir='ltr' role='presentation'>Favorite preset.</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>
</p> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>WET </b>— <span dir='ltr' role='presentation'>Sets the overall reverberated signal </span><span dir='ltr' role='presentation'>level sent to the output.</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>
</p> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>DECAY</b> — <span dir='ltr' role='presentation'>Adjusts the amount of time for the </span><span dir='ltr' role='presentation'>reverb to fade out. At higher DECAY settings, </span><span dir='ltr' role='presentation'>decay time may be impacted by the FILTER</span><br role='presentation' /><span dir='ltr' role='presentation'>settings.</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>
</p> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>DELAY/TUNE</b> — In delay mode, applies predelay from 0 to 1.5 seconds max. When TAP/TRIG clock CV input is detected, acts as a clock mult/div. In Karplus-Strong mode, sets string tuning over a continuous 5 octave range, or fine tuning of 12 semitones when SIZE/PITCH CV is detected.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>
</p> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>FEEDBACK</b> — Applies regeneration to the delay, resulting in more repeats with longer delays, or more resonance with shorter delays. When in Karplus-Strong mode, FEEDBACK affects string decay and structure resonance.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>
</p> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>ECHO ON</b> — Busses the delay output to the WET output to mix with the reverb signal. When in Karplus-Strong mode, mixes in the dry string signal with the wet output. If ECHO ON is not selected, only the reverberated string will be heard at the wet output.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>
</p> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>TAP/TRIG</b> — Allows the delay time to be set by tapping in a tempo. When in Karplus-Strong mode, a quick press will trigger or ‘pluck’ the string. It can also be held to continuously excites or ‘bows’ the string.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>
</p> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>SHAPE</b> — Selects from six different waveshapes for the LFO, including triangle, square, ramp, saw, random, and envelope which responds to input dynamics with the input sensitivity set by the DEPTH knob.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>
</p> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>LFO CLK IN CV</b> — Sets the LFO speed to sync with phase-alignment to the clock input. SPEED knob acts as clock div/ mult.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-8661724' data-id='8661724' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-600ff3b6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading' data-id='600ff3b6' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='heading.default'></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>
</p> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>SPEED CV</b> — Sets LFO speed. Knob position acts as offset.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>
</p> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>DEPTH CV</b> — Sets LFO depth. Knob position acts as offset.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>
</p> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>EXT LFO IN</b> — External LFO input. DEPTH knob acts as attenuverter.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>
</p> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <p style='text-align: left;'><strong>DEPTH </strong>— Adjusts the amount of modulation. Modulation is off at the fully counterclockwise position. When env is selected, modulation is off at 12 o’clock, with positive envelope clockwise and negative envelope counterclockwise. When EXT LFO IN is detected,  acts as an attenuverter.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>
</p> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>LFO TARGET</b> — Selects the parameter that will be modified by the LFO. Delay modulates the delay time. In Karplus-Strong mode, the tuning of the string is modulated. Pitch modulates the SIZE/PITCH setting of the reverb. Filter modulates the high damp parameter, or filter cutoff frequency when LOW PASS is selected.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>
</p> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>SIZE/PITCH CV</b> — 1V/oct. 0V = No size/pitch change. -2V = 2 octaves down. +2V = 2 octaves up. SIZE/PITCH knob acts as offset. When in Karplus-Strong mode, tunes string to a range of 4 octaves from 0V to 4V at 1V/oct.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>
</p> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>WET CV</b> — Affects wet output signal level. Knob position acts as offset.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>
</p> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>DECAY CV </b> — Affects reverb decay length. Knob position acts as offset.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>
</p> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>CLEAR CV</b> — Clears audio data from reverb buffer when rising edge detected.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>
</p> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>FEEDBACK CV</b> — Affects delay feedback or Karplus-Strong string decay/resonance. Knob position acts as offset.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>
</p> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>TAP/TRIG CV</b> — Sets the delay time with clock CV input. DELAY/TUNE knob acts as clock mult/div. When in Karplus-Strong mode, will “pluck” string on rising edge transition.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>
</p> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <div class='elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-2ab007dc' data-id='2ab007dc' data-element_type='column'> <div class='elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated'> <div class='elementor-element elementor-element-78c60948 labeled-image elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor' data-id='78c60948' data-element_type='widget' data-widget_type='text-editor.default'> <div class='elementor-widget-container'> <p style='text-align: left;'><b>TAP/TRIG CV</b> — Sets the delay time with clock CV input. DELAY/TUNE knob acts as clock mult/div. When in Karplus-Strong mode, will “pluck” string on rising edge transition.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <p>
null
<p style='text-align: left;'><strong>POWER:</strong> Power your StarLab here.</p> <p style='text-align: left;'>+12V rail: 210mA</p> <p style='text-align: left;'>-12V rail: 210mA</p> <p style='text-align: left;'>+5V rail: 0mA</p> <p>
</p> <p style='text-align: left;'><strong>DIP SWITCH 1 – SPILLOVER:<br /> </strong><strong>ON: </strong>Enables effect spillover between the Favorite presets and the manual setting of the module.<br /> <strong>OFF:</strong> No spillover between presets.</p> <p>

HARMONICS SECTION

The Harmonics section, with its Shimmer and Glimmer controls, offers pitch shifting (Shimmer) and harmonic modulation (Glimmer) to further enhance movement of the reverb environment and create more ghostly tones. Shimmer offers up to an octave above and below the original input (set in intervals with a button hold and knob turn), and has a Regen button, which gives more of a feedback build in the wet signal; while using Glimmer’s High Band button emphasises the upper frequencies to the point of harshness.

The results of these parameter changes vary based on the Texture type selected (the three reverb algorithms as described above). If ‘Sparse’ is selected, a more alternating left/right movement is created, which is great for a big, stereo field; while ‘Dense’ is a more traditional tail; and ‘Diffuse’ has a slow build up. All of these types benefit from some experimenting with the Decay control, especially when you are chasing huge, ambient atmospheres ie. maximum output for minimum effort.

FILTER SECTION

The Filter can be switched between a simpler low/high damp and a 24dB/octave LPF, with variable resonance for the effected signal only. This is a surprisingly useful tonal control for the overall output of the signal.

KARPLUS TUNNEL

Finally, the Delay/Karplus section’s Karplus bit: the most unusual feature of this effect module. Karplus-Strong string synthesis is a form of physical modelling that simulates hammered or plucked strings, and also certain simple percussion instruments, developed by the eponymous Messers Karplus and Strong, in an American university. With a button press and knob turn in the delay section, Karplus/Strong mode is activated. The Tap/Trig button will give you a short or long note, depending on hold duration, and the Size/Pitch and In Gate inputs become CV and Gate ins for using an external sequencer or keyboard.

Starlab can also store four presets, referred to as Favourites, which can be selected from the front panel or externally.

STAR GAZING

I whiled away the hours with Starlab being fed different left and right waveforms by a Pittsburgh Primary Oscillator (the fragments and timbre waveforms), triggered by a simple four-step sequence, with two extra LFOs from another module for some slow parameter movement. It was something of a religious experience. The first external LFO controlling the speed of the internal LFO, and the second controlling Shimmer depth… quite heavenly! Next, I’ll break out the MPU-101 MIDI/CV converter for some serious parameter control with Logic Pro X, for the proverbial ‘swine wallowing in effluent’ experience.

MODULAR VISION

Visiting the Modular Grid website for an hour or two really brings home the size and scope of the modular market, offering a bewildering array of products for all genres and budgets, but Strymon is definitely responsible for the more popular effects available. Just watch a few synth videos on YouTube and a healthy number of these will be utilising a Big Sky reverb pedal to create amazing soundscapes. Starlab? Just imagine a Big Sky or Night Sky with 18 control inputs. Hell, yeah!

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