Hampshire Electronics Vulcan Mk 2: Dual-Engine Eurorack Poly

Hampshire Electronics has introduced the Vulcan Mk 2, an innovative 8-voice polyphonic analogue and digital synthesizer module designed for Eurorack systems. This second-generation instrument is not merely a hybrid voice; instead, it features two complete synthesizers working in tandem within a compact 37 HP module. The analogue engine boasts a 100% analogue signal path, ensuring warmth and character. Concurrently, the digital engines offer a diverse range of synthesis types, including FM, wavetable, noise, modal, and Karplus-Strong physical modelling. This unique architecture allows users to run both engines together, independently, or layered, providing a rich sonic palette that combines classic analogue with modern digital precision. Furthermore, the system is designed as a performance instrument, prioritizing immediate control and flexibility for electronic music producers.

Dual Synthesis Power and Flexible Voice Allocation

The core of the Vulcan Mk 2 lies in its dual-engine design. The analogue section is a genuine, end-to-end analogue synthesizer, while the digital engines are fully voiced synths in their own right. They share a control surface and modulation system, yet their audio paths remain entirely separate. This segregation ensures that neither engine compromises the other’s sonic integrity. Moreover, the analogue voice array offers total flexibility in configuration. Users can choose how many oscillators constitute a single voice, instantly reconfiguring the polyphony. For instance, a single oscillator per voice yields 8-note polyphony, which can expand to 16 with a second card. Alternatively, two oscillators per voice provide 4-note polyphony, while four oscillators create a huge 2-note polyphonic sound. For a colossal monophonic lead, all eight oscillators can be combined into one voice.

Intuitive Control and Comprehensive Connectivity

The Vulcan Mk 2 is designed for hands-on control. It features a bright OLED display and three dedicated encoders for navigating its deep architecture. Crucially, the core analogue voice parameters are always accessible via dedicated panel controls, eliminating the need for menu diving during performance. These controls include level, sub mix, pulse width, filter cutoff, and resonance for each oscillator, along with master tune and oscillator 2 tune. Waveform selection is also managed by dedicated buttons. Additionally, configurable macros and knob/CV binding allow for extensive real-time tweaking and CV modulation of complex parameter sets.

Advanced Features for Modern Production

Beyond its dual-engine capabilities, the Vulcan Mk 2 offers advanced features that enhance its versatility. Every note can trigger both analogue and digital engines simultaneously, facilitating creative layering possibilities. A dedicated Tune Defeat mode ensures perfect pitch alignment between the analogue and digital components. Furthermore, the instrument supports true polytimbrality, allowing different voices to play different sounds concurrently. Layers can be addressed via MIDI channel, keyboard segment, or CV/Gate instance. Fine pitch control extends to individual oscillators, complemented by an “Age” control that introduces vintage-style tuning inconsistencies for added character.The module also boasts comprehensive CV & Control I/O, including four CV/Gate inputs for independent voice control. Moreover, there are four analogue modulation CV inputs, and three assignable pots and CV jacks. MIDI implementation is robust, offering direct CC control of core sound parameters and instant preset recall. The “Control Pickup” feature prevents sudden parameter jumps when recalling presets or adjusting knobs, ensuring smooth transitions during live performances. Finally, the analogue tuning is self-calibrating, maintaining rock-solid pitch across the range with both full auto-tune and quick tune options. The system is also expandable with an optional effects card, adding studio-grade processing directly into the module.

Power Requirements and Expandability

Given its powerful feature set, the Vulcan Mk 2 requires a stable power supply. In its full configuration, including the optional effects board and with all voices and effects active, it draws a maximum of 520mA on the +12v rail and 380mA on the -12v rail. Therefore, a well-regulated Eurorack power supply with adequate capacity and at least 25% additional headroom is recommended. The option to add a dedicated effects processor via an expansion card allows the system to grow with the user’s needs, integrating processing directly into the patch system. This ensures that effects settings are saved with each preset, streamlining workflow and enhancing portability.
Features

• Two complete, independent synthesis engines (analogue and digital)
• 100% analogue signal path for the analogue engine
• Digital engines include FM, wavetable, noise, modal, and Karplus-Strong physical modelling
• Flexible voice allocation: 1, 2, 4, or 8 oscillators per voice (up to 8-note polyphony, expandable to 16)
• Dedicated analogue panel controls for oscillators, filter, and tuning
• Analogue + Digital Layering with “Tune Defeat” mode
• True Polytimbrality via MIDI channel, keyboard segment, or CV/Gate instance
• Per-Voice Offsetting & Detune with “Age” control for vintage character
• Comprehensive CV & Control I/O: 4 CV/Gate inputs, 4 analogue modulation CV inputs, 3 assignable pots/CV jacks
• Extensive MIDI implementation (CC control, Program Change, Pitch Bend)
• Deep, per-layer modulation matrix with 6 shared sources and 2 assignable ADSR envelopes
• “Control Pickup” feature prevents parameter jumps
• Self-calibrating analogue tuning (auto-tune and quick tune)
• Expandable with optional Effects Expansion Card
• Compact 37 HP Eurorack module

Price
Intro Pre-order: 629.00 £
Regular: 679.00 £

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More info: Hampshire Electronics | Vulcan Mk 2 8-Voice Polyphonic Analogue Synth for Eurorack