ADDAC System ADDAC112 (2021–)

A looper that thinks like a composer and a granular processor that feels like painting with sound. Deep, visual, and full of voltage.

Overview

You don’t just patch the ADDAC112—you conduct it. From the moment you hit record and that 5-inch OLED lights up with a scrolling waveform, you’re not just capturing audio, you’re setting the stage for something that breathes, mutates, and responds. This isn’t a tucked-away granular module you forget about once it’s patched; it’s front-and-center, demanding attention with its split-panel design that separates the control brain from the patch bay, letting you tweak knobs without cables getting in the way. It’s rare to find a Eurorack module that feels like a standalone instrument, but the ADDAC112 pulls it off—less like a cog in a machine, more like a collaborator.

The 112 is two engines in one. Half of it is a full-featured stereo looper with CV-controlled record, overdub, and loop selection. The other half is a granular processor that slices that loop into clouds, stutters, or shimmering textures. They feed each other. Record a drone, a beat, or a vocal snippet, then let the granular engine scatter grains across the stereo field, pitch-shift them independently, or lock them to a scale. The real-time display shows every grain as a tiny dot moving across the waveform, so you can watch what the engine is doing instead of guessing.

Portuguese outfit ADDAC System has always leaned experimental, and the 112 reads as their most mature statement yet. It doesn't copy software workflows. It reworks them for the modular realm. Where other granular modules make you dive into menus or settle for abstract controls, the 112 gives you direct, knob-per-function access to nearly every parameter, from grain size and density to randomization of start point and pitch. Nearly every one of those knobs has a CV input on the companion panel. Want the grain spacing to swell with your envelope? Patch it. Need the loop start point to jitter with an LFO? Done.

Specifications

Manufacturer	ADDAC System
Production Years	2021–
Original Price	620€ / $699
Format	Eurorack
HP	32HP + 13HP (45HP total)
Depth	4.5cm
Power Consumption	+12V: 240mA, -12V: 70mA
Audio Input	Stereo, 16-bit 44.1kHz
Audio Output	Stereo, 16-bit 44.1kHz
Buffer Size	Up to 180 seconds (3 minutes) stereo at 44.1kHz (post-firmware 1.9)
Display	5-inch OLED
SD Card	Micro SD slot for saving/loading loops, banks, and firmware
Loop Engine	Real-time stereo recording, overdub, CV control of record/play/select
Granular Engine	Grain size, pitch, position, count, spacing, stereo spread, deviation controls
Grain Sync	Free-running or synced to loop (eighth or quarter note)
Scale Constraints	Playback can be constrained to musical scales
CV Control	Nearly all parameters CV-controllable via dedicated inputs on expander panel
MIDI	No direct MIDI input; CV/Gate only
Weight	Approx. 850g

Key Features

The Dual-Panel Philosophy: Control vs. Connection

The ADDAC112 doesn’t just use space—it rethinks it. Instead of cramming jacks between knobs, ADDAC split the module into two physical panels: one dense with controls, the other a dedicated patch bay for all I/O. This isn’t just cosmetic; it changes how you interact with the module. You can place the patch panel off to the side or below your case, routing all your CV and audio connections there, while keeping the main panel free for performance tweaks. It’s a small design decision with massive usability payoff—no more fumbling for a knob buried under a cable. And because the patch bay includes CV inputs for nearly every parameter, you’re not sacrificing patchability for clarity. If other granular modules feel like black boxes, the 112 hands you the blueprint.

Visual Granular Synthesis That Makes Sense

Most granular modules leave you to trust your ears and hope the settings are doing what you think. The 112 has a screen for that. The OLED shows the loop waveform and overlays the current grain positions as moving dots, so you can see how density, spacing, and randomness change the texture in real time. Adjust the grain size and the dots stretch or shrink. Modulate the start point and they slide along the waveform. You can set up rhythmic stutter effects by clustering grains at transients, or build evolving pads by slowly drifting the playback window. The screen also shows loop selection, playback position, and scale constraints.

Workflow That Rewards Experimentation

The 112 works as a straightforward looper with CV start/stop, or as a live sampler that records and plays back with pitch control. There is also a hybrid mode: record a loop, then start granulating it while still adjusting the source. Three dedicated mix knobs layer the dry input, the loop, and the granular output. The SD card stores banks of loops for a live set, and you can recall banks via CV or front-panel knob. The menu system is minimal, mostly for saving/loading, and the encoder is used sparingly, so there are no deep submenus to get lost in.

Historical Context

When the ADDAC112 launched in 2021, granular modules were already a staple of the Eurorack world—Mutable Instruments’ Beads had set the standard years earlier, followed by Qu-Bit’s Nebulae and Instruo’s Arbhar. But most leaned into abstraction, trading immediacy for flexibility. The 112 flipped that script. Instead of a compact, menu-heavy module, ADDAC went big—45HP of dedicated controls, visual feedback, and a workflow that felt more like a digital audio workstation than a modular effect. It was a bold move in an ecosystem where space is currency, but it paid off. The 112 carved out a niche for users who wanted granular processing that didn’t require constant menu diving or guesswork. It also reflected a broader trend in Eurorack: the rise of “desktop” modules that prioritized usability over density, appealing to performers and composers who wanted instruments, not just processors. In that context, the 112 wasn’t just another granular module—it was a statement that deep control and visual feedback could coexist in the modular world.

Collectibility & Value

The ADDAC112 isn't vintage in the traditional sense, since it's too new for that, but it has already gained cult status among modular users who value workflow and visual feedback. New units sell for around $699 or 620€. The secondary market is tight, with used prices between $600 and $750 depending on condition. Most units are in good shape, but there are a few red flags. The firmware has changed a lot since launch. Version 1.9 brought performance improvements but cut maximum loop time from 5 minutes to 3 minutes in stereo. Units on older firmware can load longer loops but may lack newer features. Buyers should confirm which firmware version the module is running and whether it was updated properly. Bricking during a firmware update is rare but possible, especially if the wrong USB cable is used. It must support data, not just power.

The most common issues reported are SD card corruption and occasional crashes, especially with beta firmware. Reformatting the card or reloading firmware usually fixes them, but test for them before purchase. The OLED screen is tough, but like any display it can fail, so check for dead pixels or flickering. The module is well-built with sturdy knobs and jacks. The dual-panel design means two PCBs and a ribbon cable, so inspect the connection between panels if buying used. For long-term ownership, keep the SD card formatted to FAT32 and avoid removing it during power-up. Despite its complexity, the 112 has proven reliable in most rigs.