2hp AVert (2017–)

A tiny utility module that flips your signals upside down.

Overview

It doesn't look like much. Two knobs, four jacks, 2HP of width, barely wider than a screw. It doesn't make sound. What it does is quietly enable some of the best moves in a modular setup, like turning an envelope into an inverted release curve, or making two LFOs move in opposition from a single source.

Each of the AVert's two channels is a full attenuverter. It can reduce a signal's amplitude down to zero, then bring it back up in inverted form. Turn the knob clockwise from the center detent and you get a normal attenuated signal. Turn it counterclockwise and the signal is inverted. The zero-point stop gives you a reliable physical reference for polarity flipping, which helps when you're balancing modulation depth or building push-pull control voltages. Both channels are identical and independent (except for the normalling), so you can use them for audio level trimming, CV scaling, gate inversion, offset generation, or even as crude mixers in a pinch.

The input of channel 1 is normalled to channel 2. Patch a signal into channel 1 and it feeds both attenuverters, unless you plug something into channel 2's input. That turns a single modulation source, say an LFO, into two independently controlled, potentially inverted outputs. One can modulate a filter cutoff normally while the other pulls a VCA in reverse, which gives a crossfaded effect without a dedicated mixer. You can also use it to generate opposing waveforms for panning, FM index control, or stereo effects.

The AVert handles both audio and CV signals with no coloration, no loading issues and no noise. It's a passive design in function but actively powered, which keeps the signal clean even with low-current control voltages. At 2HP it suits a skiff well. You could line five of them across the bottom of a 10HP panel and still have room for a power cable. That density makes it a favorite with minimalists and utility hounds who count every millimeter.

Specifications

Manufacturer	2hp
Production Years	2017–
Original Price	$79
Width	2hp
Depth	45mm
Power Consumption +12V	9 mA
Power Consumption -12V	5 mA
Power Consumption 5V	0 mA
Function	Dual attenuverter
Channels	2
Normalling	Input 1 normalled to Input 2
Signal Type	Audio, CV, Gate
Inversion	Yes, per channel
Attenuation Range	0% to 100% with polarity inversion
Knob Type	Alpha potentiometer with center detent
Input Impedance	100kΩ
Output Impedance	10kΩ
Color Options	Black, Silver

Key Features

Center-Detent Knobs for Polarity Precision

The center stop on each knob matters when you're inverting modulation sources, because you need to hit true 0V. Too far one way and your filter opens when it should close. Too far the other and your panning goes haywire. The detent gives you a fixed pivot point for balancing attenuation and inversion, and it helps for offset generation and symmetrical modulation paths. The knobs are smooth-turning Alphas, known for their durability and consistent taper, so they should hold up to daily tweaking without crackling or drift.

Normalling as a Creative Tool

Most dual attenuverters treat each channel as isolated. The AVert doesn't. Normalling channel 1's input to channel 2 turns a single signal into a dual-output processing hub, and it saves cables too. You can send one LFO to two different parameters with opposite polarities, or split an envelope to open one VCA while closing another. It also makes cascading easy: use channel 1 to attenuate and invert a clock, then feed that into channel 2 for further shaping.

Ultra-Compact, High-Utility Design

At 2HP, the AVert is among the narrowest functional modules in Eurorack. It has no flashy LEDs, no extra jacks and no redundant features. What it does, it does cleanly. That makes it a favorite for skiff builders. The small size also means you can afford several units for specific tasks: one for envelope inversion, another for LFO polarity control, a third for audio level balancing.

Historical Context

The AVert arrived in 2017, right as Eurorack was shifting from boutique curiosity to mainstream staple. Modular was being adopted by pop producers, film composers and bedroom tinkerers, not just noise artists and academics. As systems grew, so did the demand for utility modules that could manage complexity without adding bulk. 2hp, known for its minimalist aesthetic and surgical functionality, was well placed to answer that.

The AVert wasn't the first attenuverter, nor the most feature-rich. But it was one of the first to put density first in a format where every millimeter counts. Competitors like Intellijel and Mutable Instruments offered multi-function utilities, but they often came in 6HP or more. The AVert showed that a dedicated attenuverter could fit in just 2HP.

It also reflected a broader trend toward “patch intelligence”—modules that don’t generate sound but shape how signals interact. In a world where anyone can buy a digital oscillator with 50 waveforms, the real magic often lies in modulation routing, inversion, and signal manipulation. The AVert doesn’t make noise, but it helps you make better noise by giving you finer control over the invisible threads that tie a patch together.

Collectibility & Value

The 2hp AVert isn't a collector's item in the traditional sense. It's not rare and not discontinued. New units still sell for $79 direct from 2hp, and used examples typically go for $50-$65 depending on condition. There's little price inflation because the module is still in production and widely available.

Condition-wise, the AVert is nearly bulletproof. There are no active circuitry quirks, no temperamental ICs, no failing capacitors. The most common failure point is the potentiometers, but even those are high-quality Alphas that resist crackle and wear. If a knob starts to act up, it's usually a simple replacement with no board-level repairs needed. The jacks are sturdy Neutrik types, and the PCB is cleanly laid out with minimal components, which reduces points of failure.

When buying used, check for bent mounting tabs or deep scratches on the faceplate. They're cosmetic, but they matter if you're building a matching skiff. Also verify that both knobs have a crisp center detent and that the normalling works as expected (patching into channel 2 should break the link from channel 1). The module draws minimal power and doesn't stress the PSU, so there are no hidden maintenance costs or recapping requirements.

For new users, the AVert is a near-essential first utility module. It’s often bundled with other 2hp basics like the Switch or Unity, and for good reason: it solves real problems without complexity. For veterans, it’s a space-saving workhorse that earns its place at the bottom of every case. It may never be the star of the patch, but it’s always working behind the scenes—quiet, reliable, and absolutely indispensable.