2hp RND (2013–Present)

Two HP of clocked randomness for skiffs. This tiny module does the work of three.

Overview

The 2hp RND is a random voltage source, and it does more than that. It puts out quantized and smoothed voltages, random gates, and a voltage-controllable clock. All of it sits behind a brushed aluminum panel about as wide as a thumb, at only 2HP. Flip it to internal clock mode and the gates pop out in unpredictable bursts while the stepped voltages jump between discrete levels. Static patches get a lot livelier. It's the difference between programming a sequence and discovering one.

For years, random control voltages in Eurorack meant patching together a noise source, a clock, and a sample-and-hold. That's three modules, three power draws, three HP. The RND puts all of it in one unit with its own internal clock, which frees up space and cuts patch complexity. 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 fires probabilistic gate bursts, handy for triggering snare hits at odd intervals or launching unpredictable envelope cycles.

The knobs are small but precise, the switch has a crisp tactile snap, and the outputs sit far enough apart to avoid cable crowding. It weighs a featherweight 68 grams and still feels built like a tank. The depth is 42mm, which is fine for most skiffs, though tight builds might need a clearance check. Power draw is minimal: 48mA on +12V, just 6mA on -12V. You can stack several without straining your power supply. The quantized output snaps to discrete levels, which can sound almost melodic when attenuated down into a one-octave range. The smooth output slews between values like a lazy LFO on hallucinogens, and suits 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 make you choose: stepped or smooth, quantized or continuous. The RND gives you both at once, each with its own dedicated attenuator. That changes how you patch. Send the quantized output to a VCO's pitch input for a melody that jumps between random notes, and route the smooth output to a filter's cutoff for a slow, breathing texture underneath. Each output has its own level control, so you're not stuck with full 10V swings. Dial the quantized output down to 2V for a subtle, one-octave random wobble. Turn the smooth output up and let it drift across five volts for bigger timbral shifts. The attenuators make the module playable right away. Many Eurorack modules lack input attenuators, so having them built into the source helps.

Smart Clocking: Internal, External, and Random Gate Mode

The Int/Ext switch does more than route. In internal mode, the Rate knob controls a steady, voltage-controllable clock that drives the sample-and-hold circuit. That clock can also be used on its own, patched elsewhere as a slow LFO or modulation source. Switch to external clock and the gate output changes. 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 throws out unpredictable accents, such as ghost notes on a drum pattern or a trigger for a second envelope. Patch the gate output back into the clock input and you get a stuttering feedback loop of irregular bursts and gaps.

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. The panel has three knobs (Rate, Quant Attenuator, Smooth Attenuator), a three-position switch (Int/Off/Ext), and four jacks (Quant, Smooth, Gate, Clock In). There's no wasted space and no clutter. The jacks are recessed just enough to avoid strain, and the knobs are spaced to prevent accidental bumps. Build quality matches 2hp's reputation: a solid milled aluminum faceplate, clean silkscreen, no flimsy parts.

Historical Context

The 2hp RND launched in 2013. Eurorack was still young then. The format had escaped boutique obscurity and was gaining traction among experimental musicians, but modules were getting bigger. Manufacturers competed on features, not efficiency, and 8HP or 12HP modules were common for basic functions. 2hp asked what would happen if every essential function fit in 2HP. The RND was part of that idea. 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.

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). 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, and offered a polished, reliable option that worked out of the box. It also reflected a broader shift in modular design, away from replicating vintage gear and toward new forms of control.

Collectibility & Value

The 2hp RND isn't a vintage grail. It's still in production. But it holds steady resale value as an essential utility module. 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. The module is so widely used that supply remains high and demand is consistent. There are no rare versions or limited editions.

Failures are rare, and 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. There are no known design flaws or widespread recalls.

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, and there's no v1 vs v2 confusion like with some 2hp modules (e.g., the S+H).