2hp DC (2019–)

Name: 2hp DC
Brand: 2hp

A tiny offset module in a 2HP slot. It puts out silent voltage.

Overview

Plug in the 2hp DC for the first time and nothing happens. No sound, no flash, no sweeping filter. Just three steady CV outputs sitting there. The module doesn't make noise. Reportedly introduced in 2019 as one of 2hp's first wave of new utility designs, the DC is a dedicated offset generator. In the right system it's as handy as a spare cable or a well-placed attenuator. It isn't flashy, but a lot of patches lean on it.

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. The spread is deliberate. Need to nudge a VCO's pitch up an octave without touching its main tuning? Use the 0-10V output. Want to bias an LFO into unipolar territory so it only modulates in one direction? Use the 0-5V. The ±2V range suits fine-tuning filter cutoff or adding a subtle wobble to a panning effect. You patch it early and often, and it makes other modules behave, misbehave, or just behave differently.

At just 2HP wide, it's physically tiny. In a format where every millimeter counts, giving space to a module that doesn't generate sound, modulation, or gates might seem indulgent. But it fills a gap that builds up over time: the moments when you need a fixed voltage and don't want to repatch a sequencer step or hold down a keyboard note.

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	approximately -2V to +2V
Output Range 2	approximately 0V to +5V
Output Range 3	approximately 0V to +10V
Module Type	Utility / Offset Generator
CV Coupling	reportedly DC-coupled
Connectors	3x 3.5mm jacks
Panel Color	reportedly black anodized aluminum
Mounting Hardware	2x M3 screws

Key Features

Three-Tiered Offset Architecture

The DC has three outputs. Generic offset modules offer one fixed voltage or a single adjustable knob. The DC gives three distinct ranges tailored to common modular needs. The ±2V output suits subtle tuning offsets or small signal adjustments, like a fine-tuning screw on a microscope. The 0-5V range lines up with standard gate levels and many VCA control inputs, so it's useful for biasing envelope followers or shifting LFO centers. The 0-10V output is the heavy lifter, able to span full keyboard ranges or act as a substitute pitch CV when needed. With all three on one module, there's no hunting through your case for the right offset.

Passive Simplicity, Active Utility

There are no knobs, no switches, no inputs. The 2hp DC is reportedly entirely passive, generating its voltages internally with precision circuitry. That means no drift, no noise, and no interaction between channels. You get clean, stable DC voltage, exactly as specified. There are no moving parts, no patchable inputs to misconfigure, and no firmware to update.

Space-Saving Foundation

At 2HP, the module is barely wider than a single jack. 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 density counts.

Historical Context

The 2hp DC arrived in 2019 as part of an expansion of the brand's utility offerings. At the time, 2hp was best known for minimalist modules like the Switch, Attenuverter, and Logic. The DC pointed toward solving real-world patching problems with a single-purpose module. While other manufacturers were chasing complexity with multi-function modules, 2hp stayed minimal. The DC answered a question 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: 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 density and focus.

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 reportedly sell for around $89, and used ones typically go for approximately $60-$75 depending on condition. Because it has no moving parts and minimal circuitry, failure rates are extremely low. There are 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, and that's rare.

When buying used, check 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. 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 is in utility, not rarity. A beginner might overlook it, but an experienced patcher will often cite it as one of their most-used modules.