Designed as a convenient way to use the Oneiroi module without any other Eurorack gear, the Oneiroi Pod provides a user-friendly entry point to modular synths. Greg Scarth finds out more.
The Befaco Oneiroi Pod is essentially a Befaco Oneiroi Eurorack module housed in a custom 4ms Pod case, creating a standalone desktop synth designed for drones and soundscapes. The Oneiroi itself – available separately if you’re already set up with a suitable Eurorack case and power supply – is an experimental digital design which works nicely as a dedicated sound source without the need to hook up any other gear. The Pod case here is a custom unit created specifically for Befaco, including an external DC power supply and coming in a 42hp size (horizontal pitch – the size by which Eurorack modules and cases are measured).
The Pod case is wide enough that there’s space for more modules alongside the Oneiroi, so the Oneiroi Pod setup arrives with a few blank spacer panels and a screen-printed Oneiroi Cheat Sheet panel, featuring a guide to the most important button combos and startup setting options. It’s a clever approach to easing newcomers into the (semi-)modular synth world without scaring them with confusing and overwhelming options.
The Oneiroi is what’s typically known as a synth voice, i.e. a module which operates as a standalone synthesiser on its own without the need to connect any other modules. It’s actually what’s technically known as semi-modular, meaning you don’t actually need to plug in any patch cables in order to connect the audio or control voltage (CV) signals from one part of the circuit to another – everything is internally connected and can be used without any patch cables. Patch cables are essentially optional, but highly recommended because they allow you to get the most out of the more advanced signal routing
What’s slightly unusual about the Oneiroi compared to most other synth voices is the way in which it takes advantage of those modular patching options: there are no audio patch points other than the stereo input and output. Instead, patching the Oneiroi is all about CV and gate signals, whether that be to control the volume of the various elements (looper, sine, SS/WT and the input), to module the dry/wet balances of the filter, resonator and so on, or to trigger recording, sync to an external clock signal or to trigger the randomiser.
The main advantage of the Pod setup is that it offers a simple, cost effective way to get started with the Oneiroi – which is a very capable synth on its own – before expanding your options using the remaining 12hp of space alongside the Oneiroi in the case. Once you’ve got the hang of the module the cheat sheet will become less necessary, meaning that you could replace it with one or more other modules, either by Befaco or any other Eurorack manufacturers. You could, for instance, add a compact sequencer to generate patterns and melodies, or add further modulation sources in order to create more complex patches with extra dynamic movement. The Oneiroi Pod case can also be daisy-chained with other Pods, allowing you to use a single power supply for multiple cases.
At a little over £500, the Oneiroi Pod comes in about £120 more than the Oneiroi module on its own. That’s a fair price for the convenience and ease of use when compared to setting yourself up with a separate Eurorack case and power supply. The Oneiroi is a compelling little synth voice which makes total sense as a dedicated standalone instrument in this desktop module format, but it also provides a very intuitive, informative route into the wider world of Eurorack modular synths. Whether you intend to head down that path in future or you’re happy to stick with the sonic potential of the Oneiroi alone, it’s a very solid choice.
Greg Scarth
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