Using an oscilloscope is an excellent way to understand what happens to the signals in your modular system. The paths of the electrical current are as different as the modules used to process it. In complex patches, it can be confusing how and where your audio and control voltages take this special turnaround, or what happens to your sine wave in the wavefolder or waveshaper.
An oscilloscope can answer all these questions and will improve the understanding of your system and increase your familiarity with it.
There are of course the great big vintage oscilloscopes you might know from physics lessons. sometimes you find them cheap in second-hand shops and they look good. But they are much bigger and heavier than one might think. In general, they can often do much more than necessary to map the electrical signals in your system. You also want to measure these signals where they originate – in your case. There is now a nice range of options available for your Eurorack system to suit every task and budget.
The VPME ZeroScope is a low-cost variant on the market that can already master all basic tasks with ease. The ZeroScope is a compact oscilloscope with two channels. The module features single, dual and X/Y modes. Additionally, it can be used as a frequency meter and tuner. Even though the built-in OLED display is rather small, it is easy to read. Thanks to direct outputs, the ZeroScope can be incorporated into patches very comfortably.
Dave Jones Design’s O’ Tool is a modern classic among the Eurorack oscilloscopes. It is a two-channel oscilloscope module with an LCD screen that also offers a variety of other applications. For example, it offers a wide range of signal level measurement, spectrum analysis, tuning, BPM counters and much more.
The Mercedes among the eurorack oscilloscope is the Mordax Data, it offers the largest display and four channels. The Data module is not only a good looking oscilloscope with four channels, integrated tuner and spectral options, but a generator for audio material, control voltages and even clock signals as well. Seven modes of operation are included. More will follow.
More information, pricing and availability here.