Rare Waves Grendel DC2e + Expander Drone Commander Eurorack Module

This Grendel pair was used only in our store for demonstration purposes.

The Drone Commander for Eurorack is a unique synthesizer module by designer Eric Archer.

Width: 35HP
Current: +12V 80mA 
Depth: Max 78mm

From Rare Waves:

Rare Waves is pleased to introduce a new analog synthesizer descended directly from the much-loved Grendel Drone Commander classic: the DC-2e Drone Commander 2 + Expander in Eurorack modular format. Much more than a re-packaged clone of its parent, DC-2e begins where the previous version left off.

Grendel Drone Commander 2 is a true analog music instrument built with extensive use of discrete transistor technology. Its minimalist control panel presents twelve solid metal knobs, and every one doubles as a push-pull switch to modify the tone in thousands of possible combinations.

Behind the panel is a newly designed all-analog sound engine with two oscillators, two filters, an envelope generator, and a comprehensive LFO section capable of producing four simultaneous waveforms.

We’ve built in a number of features that can’t be found anywhere else, making DC-2e a unique and highly playable tone source for drone music, leads, bass, and sound effects. This model speaks up with an especially gnarly baritone voice and loads of bass. Its simple knob-per-function layout frees you from memorizing button-press sequences.

Play the Main Module on its own, or add the Expander for lots of patching options including CV/gate/clock inputs.

MAIN MODULE

The system’s heart is the Main Module, which houses the synthesizer’s core and all of its controls. On its own, the Main Module embodies the classic Drone Commander playing style, with manually tuned oscillators and a ¼” audio output for direct connection to your mixer, FX, or amp. A tough steel chassis protects its guts against knocks and interference from other stuff living in your synth case.

Grendel DC-2e’s Main Module needs 78 mm (3.07in) of clearance behind the mounting rails.  That means it fits most desktop consoles, and some suitcase/attache style cases, but not boat or skiff type enclosures.

EXPANDER MODULE

With the optional Expander module, the system gains eighteen patch points for CV, gate + trigger, and audio. Its clock input allows synchronization to analog clock sources, and AUX IN lets you process external audio sources. As a bonus, the voltage ranges of some of the inputs and outputs can be switched between +/-2.5 volts and 0..+5 volts, facilitating connection to other synth modules, MIDI-CV converters, and various tabletop analog gear.