2hp RND (2013–Present)

Name: 2hp RND
Brand: 2hp

Two HP of chaos, clocked randomness, and skiff-friendly serendipity—this tiny module does the work of three.

Overview

Plug in the 2hp RND and you’re not just adding a random voltage source—you’re injecting a nervous system into your rack. It doesn’t just spit out noise-derived CV; it thinks, adapts, and misbehaves in musically useful ways. At only 2HP wide, it’s a space-saving marvel, but don’t mistake its size for simplicity. This is a full-featured random event generator that delivers quantized and smoothed voltages, random gates, and a voltage-controllable clock—all from a sliver of brushed aluminum no wider than a thumb. The moment you flip it to internal clock mode and hear gates popping out in unpredictable bursts while stepped voltages jump between discrete levels, you realize how much life it brings to otherwise static patches. It’s the difference between programming a sequence and discovering one.

For years, generating random control voltages in Eurorack meant patching together a noise source, a clock, and a sample-and-hold—three modules, three power draws, three HP eaten up. The RND collapses all that into one self-contained unit with its own internal clock, freeing up precious space and reducing patch complexity. But it doesn’t stop at convenience. Where other compact random generators cut corners, the RND adds features: dedicated attenuators on both CV outputs, a switchable internal/external clock, and a gate output that behaves differently depending on mode. In internal mode, it’s a steady clock; in external mode, it erupts with probabilistic gate bursts—perfect for triggering snare hits at odd intervals or launching unpredictable envelope cycles. It’s not just a utility; it’s a compositional partner.

And then there’s the feel of it. The knobs are small but precise, the switch has a crisp tactile snap, and the outputs sit just far enough apart to avoid cable crowding. It’s built like a tank, despite its featherweight 68 grams. The depth—42mm—is reasonable for most skiffs, though tight builds might need to check clearance. Power draw is minimal: 48mA on +12V, just 6mA on -12V. That’s less than many passive multiples. You can stack several of these without breaking your power supply’s back. But the real magic is in how it shapes randomness. The quantized output doesn’t just jump between random voltages—it snaps to discrete levels, which can feel almost melodic when attenuated down into a one-octave range. The smooth output, meanwhile, slews between values like a lazy LFO on hallucinogens, perfect for drifting filter cutoffs or wobbling resonance in organic, unprogrammed ways.

Specifications

Manufacturer	2hp
Production Years	2013–Present
Original Price	$99
Width	2HP
Depth	42mm
Weight	68g
Power Consumption (+12V)	48mA
Power Consumption (-12V)	6mA
Outputs	Quantized CV, Smooth CV, Gate
Inputs	External Clock
Controls	Rate Knob, Attenuator (Quant), Attenuator (Smooth)
Switch	Internal/External Clock
Random Voltage Range	0V to 10V (quantized and smooth)
Random Gate Output	Triggered in external clock mode
VC Clock	Yes, via Rate knob and CV control
Attenuators	Dedicated per CV output
Color	Silver/Black
Module Type	Random Voltage Generator / Sample & Hold / Clock Source

Key Features

A Dual-Path Approach to Chaos

Most random generators force you to choose: stepped or smooth, quantized or continuous. The RND gives you both simultaneously, each with its own dedicated attenuator. This isn’t just convenient—it changes how you patch. You can send the quantized output to a VCO’s pitch input for a melody that jumps between random notes, while routing the smooth output to a filter’s cutoff for a slow, breathing texture underneath. Because each output has its own level control, you’re not stuck with full 10V swings. Dial the quantized output down to 2V and you’ve got a subtle, one-octave random wobble; turn the smooth output up and let it drift across five volts for dramatic timbral shifts. The attenuators are the secret sauce—they make the module instantly playable, not just a source of raw voltage. And since many Eurorack modules lack input attenuators, having them built into the source is a thoughtful design win.

Smart Clocking: Internal, External, and Random Gate Mode

The Int/Ext switch isn’t just a routing toggle—it redefines the module’s behavior. In internal mode, the Rate knob controls a steady, voltage-controllable clock that drives the sample-and-hold circuit. This clock can also be used independently, patched elsewhere as a slow LFO or modulation source. But switch to external clock, and the gate output transforms: instead of mirroring the clock, it emits random gates with a probability tied to the clock rate. Patch a sequencer into the clock input, and the RND starts spitting out unpredictable accents—perfect for adding ghost notes to a drum pattern or triggering a second envelope on a whim. If you patch the gate output back into the clock input, you create a self-patching, stuttering feedback loop that generates irregular bursts and gaps. It’s a simple trick, but one that opens up generative compositions where rhythm and timing evolve on their own.

Skiff-Optimized Without Sacrificing Function

At 2HP wide and 42mm deep, the RND is built for tight systems. It fits in almost any skiff, and its low power draw means you can run several without taxing your supply. But it doesn’t feel stripped down. The panel layout is clean: three knobs (Rate, Quant Attenuator, Smooth Attenuator), a three-position switch (Int/Off/Ext), and four jacks (Quant, Smooth, Gate, Clock In). No wasted space, no clutter. The jacks are recessed just enough to avoid strain, and the knobs are spaced to prevent accidental bumps. The build quality is consistent with 2hp’s reputation—solid milled aluminum faceplate, clean silkscreen, no flimsy parts. It’s a module that disappears into your system until you need it, then becomes the center of attention when it’s active.

Historical Context

When the 2hp RND launched in 2013, Eurorack was still in its adolescence. The format had escaped boutique obscurity and was gaining traction among experimental musicians, but module sizes were ballooning. Manufacturers competed on features, not efficiency, and 8HP or 12HP modules were common for basic functions. 2hp flipped the script: what if every essential function could live in 2HP? The RND was part of that philosophy—a distillation of randomness into its most compact, usable form. It arrived alongside a wave of utility-focused modules from brands like Intellijel and Mutable Instruments, but stood out for its price and density. At $99, it undercut many single-function random sources while offering more. It wasn’t the first sample-and-hold module, nor the first random gate generator, but it was one of the first to combine both in such a small footprint without sacrificing usability. In an ecosystem where space is currency, the RND became a staple—not just for minimalists, but for anyone who valued efficiency.

Its closest competitors at the time were modules like the Make Noise Wogglebug (more chaotic, analog noise-based) and the Intellijel Rainmaker (a full effects processor with randomization). But those were 16HP and 32HP, respectively. The RND didn’t aim to be the most sonically complex; it aimed to be the most accessible. It filled a gap between DIY sample-and-hold circuits and high-end randomizers, offering a polished, reliable option that worked out of the box. It also reflected a broader shift in modular design: from replicating vintage gear to inventing new forms of control. Randomness wasn’t just a sound effect anymore—it was a compositional tool. The RND helped normalize that idea, making stochastic voltage generation as routine as plugging in a VCO.

Collectibility & Value

The 2hp RND isn’t a vintage grail—it’s still in production—but it has settled into the tier of “essential utility module” that holds steady resale value. Used units typically sell for $70–$85, depending on condition and finish (black or silver). New units list for $99, and since 2hp doesn’t frequently change pricing, there’s little fluctuation. It’s not a speculative buy, but it’s also not a loss leader. The module is so widely used that supply remains high, and demand is consistent. You won’t find “rare” versions or limited editions—just reliable, unchanging hardware.

Failures are rare, but when they happen, they’re usually power-related. The module draws asymmetric current (+12V: 48mA, -12V: 6mA), and reversed or unstable power can damage the onboard regulator. Technicians observe that most DOA units were plugged into improperly keyed power cables. Otherwise, the PCB is simple, with minimal components—no firmware, no microcontrollers, no moving parts. The jacks are soldered directly, so physical stress (like yanking a cable) is the most common cause of failure. No known design flaws or widespread recalls. If a unit works, it will likely keep working for years.

When buying used, check that both CV outputs respond to the attenuators and that the gate output fires consistently in internal mode. Test with a scope or LED if possible—some users report “stuck” outputs due to cold solder joints, though this is uncommon. Also verify the Int/Ext switch clicks cleanly between positions. No firmware updates or revisions affect functionality—there’s no v1 vs v2 confusion like with some 2hp modules (e.g., the S+H). What you see is what you get: a no-frills, no-nonsense random voltage engine that does exactly what it promises.