2hp DC (2019–)

Name: 2hp DC
Brand: 2hp

A tiny offset artist in a 2HP slot, doing big things with silent voltage

Overview

There’s something almost mischievous about plugging in the 2hp DC for the first time—nothing happens. No sound, no flash, no sweeping filter. Just three steady CV outputs sitting there like silent conspirators. That’s the magic: this module doesn’t make noise, it shapes possibility. Born in early 2019 as one of 2hp’s first wave of new utility designs, the DC is a dedicated offset generator, and in the right system, it’s as essential as a spare cable or a well-placed attenuator. It’s not flashy, but it’s foundational—like discovering you’ve been building houses without a level and suddenly realizing how much straighter everything can be.

The DC gives you three independent channels of fixed DC voltage, each with a different range: -2V to +2V, 0V to +5V, and 0V to +10V. That spread is deliberate. Need to nudge a VCO’s pitch up an octave without touching its main tuning? Grab the 0–10V output. Want to bias an LFO into unipolar territory so it only modulates in one direction? The 0–5V is your friend. And that ±2V range? Perfect for fine-tuning filter cutoff or adding a subtle wobble to a panning effect. It’s not a module you patch last—it’s the one you patch early and often, the quiet enabler that makes other modules behave, misbehave, or just behave differently.

At just 2HP wide, it’s a space-saving paradox: physically tiny, conceptually massive. In a format where every millimeter counts, dedicating real estate to a module that doesn’t generate sound, modulation, or gates might seem indulgent. But seasoned modular users know better. The DC fills a gap that accumulates over time—those moments when you need a fixed voltage and don’t want to repatch a sequencer step or hold down a keyboard note. It’s the difference between a patch that works and one that flows.

Specifications

Manufacturer	2hp
Production Years	2019–
Original Price	$89
Width	2HP
Depth	25mm
Current Draw +12V	10mA
Current Draw -12V	10mA
Outputs	3x DC voltage outputs
Output Range 1	-2V to +2V
Output Range 2	0V to +5V
Output Range 3	0V to +10V
Module Type	Utility / Offset Generator
CV Coupling	DC-coupled
Connectors	3x 3.5mm jacks
Panel Color	Black anodized aluminum
Mounting Hardware	2x M3 screws

Key Features

Three-Tiered Offset Architecture

The brilliance of the DC lies in its triple output design. Unlike generic offset modules that offer one fixed voltage or a single adjustable knob, the DC provides three distinct ranges tailored to common modular needs. The ±2V output is ideal for subtle tuning offsets or small signal adjustments—think of it as a fine-tuning screw on a microscope. The 0–5V range aligns perfectly with standard gate levels and many VCA control inputs, making it useful for biasing envelope followers or shifting LFO centers. And the 0–10V output? That’s your heavy lifter, capable of spanning full keyboard ranges or acting as a substitute pitch CV when needed. Having all three on one module means no hunting through your case for the right offset—you’ve got it, all the time.

Passive Simplicity, Active Utility

There are no knobs, no switches, no inputs. The 2hp DC is entirely passive, generating its voltages internally with precision circuitry. This means it’s rock-solid—no drift, no noise, no interaction between channels. What you get is clean, stable DC voltage, exactly as specified. That simplicity also makes it bulletproof. No moving parts, no patchable inputs to misconfigure, no firmware to update. It just works. In a world of complex digital modules with screens and menus, the DC is a reminder that sometimes the most powerful tools are the quietest ones.

Space-Saving Foundation

At 2HP, the module is barely wider than a single jack. Yet it replaces what might otherwise take up 6HP or more if you were using individual offset modules or repurposing attenuators with fixed voltages. In a crowded case, that kind of density is invaluable. It’s the kind of module you install early and forget—until you can’t imagine your system without it. It doesn’t demand attention, but it earns respect every time you use it.

Historical Context

The 2hp DC arrived in 2019 as part of a quiet but significant expansion of the brand’s utility offerings. At the time, 2hp was best known for minimalist modules like the Switch, Attenuverter, and Logic—but the DC signaled a shift toward solving real-world patching problems with surgical precision. While other manufacturers were chasing complexity with multi-function modules, 2hp doubled down on minimalism with purpose. The DC wasn’t a response to a trend; it was an answer to a question that every modular user eventually asks: “Where do I get a reliable, fixed voltage when I need one?”

In the Eurorack ecosystem, offset generation had long been handled in ad-hoc ways—using a sequencer set to a single step, a held keyboard note, or a voltage source repurposed from another function. The DC made that process intentional. It arrived alongside other utility-focused modules from brands like Intellijel and Mutable Instruments, but stood out for its sheer density and focus. It wasn’t trying to be a Swiss Army knife; it was a scalpel.

Collectibility & Value

The 2hp DC isn’t a collector’s item in the traditional sense—there are no limited editions, no revisions, no rare color variants. It’s a utilitarian module, and it’s priced that way. New units still sell for around $89, and used ones typically go for $60–$75 depending on condition. Because it has no moving parts and minimal circuitry, failure rates are extremely low. There are no common points of failure—no pots to crackle, no jacks to loosen, no internal clocks to fail. The only real risk is physical damage to the PCB or power rail during installation, but even that’s rare.

When buying used, the main thing to check is whether the outputs are delivering accurate voltages. A multimeter test is quick: you should see stable readings within 50mV of the expected range. If a channel is drifting or reading zero, it could indicate a damaged regulator or a cold solder joint—but given the module’s simplicity, repairs are usually straightforward. Because it draws only 10mA on each rail, it’s also one of the most power-efficient modules in any case.

Its value lies not in rarity but in utility. A beginner might overlook it, but an experienced patcher will often cite it as one of their most-used modules. It’s not flashy, but it’s indispensable—like a good knife in a kitchen. You don’t collect it for its prestige; you keep it because it works, every time.