2HP Noise (2013–2020)
A two-knob noise module in a 2HP chassis. White noise, and a sample rate knob that turns it into rhythm.
Overview
Plug in the 2HP Noise and turn the sample rate knob down from full brightness to near silence. The hiss thickens, fractures, then collapses into stuttering bursts like a dying Geiger counter. Most noise modules are static, a background hiss you shape elsewhere. This one works as a lead instrument, a percussion engine, a texture generator, because it hovers at the edge of aliasing and stays barely digital.
Released in 2013, at the height of Eurorack's space-saving arms race, the Noise was built to be the smallest noise source you could fit in a crowded 84HP row. At just 2HP wide, it's narrower than a power cable, yet it delivers a full-spectrum noise output that's remarkably clean for its size and topology. No coloration, no filtering, no frills. It's raw digital noise with one twist: a sample rate control that lets you degrade the signal from pristine white noise to glitchy, low-bit chaos. That one knob turns it from a utility module into a sound design tool. Turn it clockwise and you get textbook white noise, good for feeding filters or making wind and surf. Back it off and the high end folds in on itself, adding digital artifacts that feel almost analog in their unpredictability - crackles, pops, and rhythmic artifacts that sync up with your clock if you're lucky (or cursed).
It's not a drum synth. Pair it with an envelope and a VCA, though, and you get snappy snares, claps, and hi-hats that cut through a mix. Run it through a resonant filter and modulate the cutoff, and you get rain on a tin roof or a swarm of angry bees. The module doesn't include a VCA, unlike its sibling the 2HP NSE, which integrates one. That's by design. The Noise does one thing, and it does it with surgical precision. If you want dynamics, you bring your own envelope. If you want color, patch in a filter. This minimalism is both its strength and its limitation. It won't replace a dedicated drum module like the MakeNoise Mimeophon or the Intellijel Quadrax, but it will surprise you in ways those larger modules often don't, because its constraints force creativity.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | 2HP |
| Production Years | 2013–2020 |
| Original Price | $99 USD |
| Width | 2HP |
| Depth | 25mm |
| Current Draw +12V | 20mA |
| Current Draw -12V | 2mA |
| Output Signal Type | White noise |
| Sample Rate Control | Adjustable from 31.25kHz to 976Hz |
| Output Level | Approx. 8Vpp |
| Output Jack | 1x 3.5mm |
| Control Knobs | Noise Level, Sample Rate |
| Panel Material | Black anodized aluminum |
| Weight | 35g |
Key Features
The Sample Rate Knob: Controlled Degradation
The real magic is in the sample rate knob. Most digital noise sources run at fixed sample rates and deliver a consistent, clean output. The 2HP Noise lets you dial that rate down manually, effectively underclocking the noise generator. At maximum, it runs at 31.25kHz, producing a smooth, full-spectrum hiss. As you turn it down, the sample rate drops, bringing in aliasing, foldback, and rhythmic pulsing. At the lowest settings, around 976Hz, the noise breaks into discrete clicks and bursts, almost like a stepped random voltage. You can use that to create gated rhythms without a sequencer, or feed it into a filter to generate evolving textures that feel organic despite their digital origin. The artifacts aren't always musical, but they're raw and unpolished.
Minimalism as a Design Philosophy
2HP built its reputation on shrinking complex functions into absurdly small spaces, and the Noise fits that pattern. There's no CV input, no color control, no filter, no output attenuation beyond the front-panel knob. The panel is stark - two knobs, one output, no labels beyond "LEVEL" and "RATE." The black anodized aluminum feels solid, and the module sits flush in a row. The circuit is carefully designed to keep digital clock noise from bleeding into adjacent modules, a common issue in tightly packed racks. It's also one of the most power-efficient noise sources available, drawing just 20mA on the +12V rail. In a format where every milliamp counts, that's not trivial.
Historical Context
The 2HP Noise arrived when Eurorack was exploding in popularity and rack space was becoming a premium. Modules were getting more complex, more feature-rich, and wider - 6HP, 8HP, even 14HP for a single function. Against that trend, 2HP (founded by Tony Rolando, also behind Buchla-inspired designs at Harvestman) pushed back with a line of ultra-compact modules. The Noise was part of that first wave, alongside the Tune, VCA, and LPF, all designed to fill niche roles without hogging space. It wasn't the first noise module. Eurorack had plenty, from the smooth analog hiss of the Doepfer A-118 to the chaotic digital bursts of the Noise Engineering Loquelic Iteritas. It was the first to make noise generation truly compact. Competitors like the Malekko Noise and the Zlob Entropy followed, but the 2HP Noise remained the benchmark for minimal footprint. It became a staple in travel racks, DIY builds, and minimalist systems where every HP mattered.
Collectibility & Value
The 2HP Noise was discontinued in 2020 when 2HP ceased operations. In used condition, it typically sells for $120 - $160, depending on market demand and rack wear. Units with clean panels and fully functional knobs command the higher end, especially since the sample rate pot can wear out with heavy use, leading to crackling or intermittent output. There are no known catastrophic failure points, since the circuit is simple and sturdy, but the output jack is surface-mounted, so rough patching can damage the solder joints. Always check for consistent noise output across the full range of the sample rate knob before buying. If it cuts out or stutters at certain positions, the pot may need cleaning or replacement.
Because it's a passive digital module with no firmware or complex ICs, it's unlikely to become obsolete or unrepairable. The main risk is physical: the thin front panel can scratch easily, and the module lacks a top or bottom bracket, so it can wobble in a partially filled row. It's not rare - thousands were made - but its utility and compact size mean it rarely stays on the market long. For a tight rack that needs a noise source that won't dominate the layout, the 2HP Noise is still the gold standard. Expect to pay a small premium for the convenience. For those on a budget, the Malekko 200 Series Noise or the TipTop Audio White Noise offer similar functionality in 4HP.
eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.