Using The Roland Demora As A CV-Controlled Synth Module

This video, via Data Broth, explores using the programmable Roland Demora Eurorack delay effect module as a voltage-controlled synthesizer voice.

The Demora lets you repatch its sub-modules, using a Mac, Windows or iOS editor, changing its internal signal path to customize how it works.

All sounds in the demo video are from the Demora module. A Microbrute is used for pitch cv, envelope cv and sequencing.

Here’s what Data Broth has to say about the demo:

I made a patch using the aira customizer app with the lfo as an oscillator, being key-tracked from the microbrute.

it seems a little buggy, the patch wont load when powering on demora, also routing back into the demora’s delay seems to cause some issues. However I was able to get a simple delay tone to use in this video

otherwise I think it sounds pretty nice actually, and has a nice wave shape from saw to sine to noise

More information on the Demora is available at the Roland site.

14 thoughts on “Using The Roland Demora As A CV-Controlled Synth Module”

  2. I have mixed feelings about these modules.. On the one hand they are awesome and futuristic, modular modules with very fun applications.. wow! But on the other hand, I want to get away from screens and software, that’s why I love modular synths, they are tactile and acute. These modules seem to sit somewhere in the middle and got me scratching my head.

    1. yeah, but you don’t need the screen to use them
      you can always save your favorite patches as audio samples
      and whats great is you can have one module that can be a delay at one moment
      a synth the next, a dual lfo after that and so on

      honestly I was a bit disappointed in the demora at first, but it is capable of some pretty unique sounds and can almost be thought of as a modular swiss army knife

    2. I had mixed feelings about this device as well, but I think it’s perfect for a modular, especially for someone who can’t afford a huge system. it’s like a swiss army knife, it can be a few different things, so if you only have one space left, you can change this module without having to actually change the physical module.
      also you can save patches as audio files for recall without a screen

      btw thank you for posting synthtopia

      edit: my last comment wasn’t showing up, so I made this one, I apologize for the double post

      1. databroth

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  3. You can use it as 2 Envelopes with velocity or 2 midi synced LFO’s, lots of different module possibilities (not just delay), but no way to switch preset patches quickly without using a computer hooked up to it.

    1. hey volt…you don´t need a computer to change preset patches. you just need to transfer an audiofile to the demora (per audiocable/remote in) and that can be done with a simple mp3 player or smartphone. so no need for a computer…but one thing that roland did not right is…there is no usb-cable delivered withe the modules…and since it is not a standard usb (mini-usb) you need to get an extra cable. i had the luck to find 1(!) from a device i have!…shame on roland…the usb-cable should be part of that module…come on!!!!

      but beside the usb-cable it´s a very versatile module…and the fact that it can also be used outside an euroracksystem makes it a perfect as little effectbox and additional (digital) synth voice with CV-control…

  4. I have made some similar patches using a self-oscillating filter as a sound source. I have also made a karplus-strong synth with the Demora, but the tuning is off on that one.
    They are very versatile modules. I think that it is worth having at least one with any modular synth so you can use it to add any modules you are missing or need an extra.

    1. how’d you do a karplus strong patch? the reason I got the demora was to do that but there seems to be so much lag or “glide” on the delay cv that it doesn’t seem to work well.

      1. I put the noise source, VCA, filter and feedback mixer as additional modules in the app. I used one of the G inputs for trigger and another for CV. I used the CV to control the delay time. You need to adjust the input level on the CV a bit to tune it. The notes are also reversed (high to low) but I think there is a CV conversion module that might invert it. My patch still needs some work, but it is making plucked string/percussive sounds.

  5. I think these little guys could be thought of as ‘gateway modular’. Doesn’t need to be in a rack, does a lot of useful stuff, just need to give it trig… ach, swore I’d never go down that path, but you make it so easy, Roland!

  6. i have the scooper. great module, a shame the looper has no cv /midi capabilities and the scatter only worx with the looper and not with the inputs.

    The main issue (4 me 4 now) is: the lack of info (aka a proper manual) how to. of course the basics are understandable. but to know how the module actual puts in place u can only check the japanese q&a. the manual is nothing more than a short guide. i ve rounded up my 1st impressions here

    http://forums.rolandclan.com/viewtopic.php?f=56&t=50493

  7. did anyone find out the positions of the scatter knob and what it does? so far i the left channel of my scooper as a compressor/overdrive/hipass for the kicks and use the second channel as scooper with the scooper knob hardwired to position 8 (backwards fx), but never found out what exactly the other 7 positions do.

    tried tr08 manual etc but no luck so far.

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