Instruo Arbhar (2019)

A Eurorack granular processor with integrated microphone and reverb, released in 2019.

Overview

The Instruo Arbhar is a Eurorack granular audio processor introduced in 2019. Preorders opened November 18 that year. It works as a granular SoundSource with onboard processing: a built-in microphone, a line-level input with compression, filtering and saturation, and a stereo reverb. It uses the Lexer method of granular synthesis. The original version takes mono input, and the firmware is optimized for 48kHz, 24-bit audio. A later update, called Arbhar 2.0, became a stereo granular module with updated firmware and expanded capabilities.

Specifications

Product type	granular processor
Format	Eurorack Module
Width	18 HP
Depth	39 mm
Current draw +12V	210 mA (original), 230 mA (2.0)
Current draw -12V	30 mA
Sample rate	48 kHz
Bit depth	24-bit
Buffer length	10 seconds, mono
Firmware version	2.0

Design

The built-in microphone is described as "superb." Its input circuit adds compression, filtering and saturation. The reverb engine is described as "stellar." CV control comes through a bipolar Intensity CV input, and there is a CV expander option (2 HP). The module uses the Lexer method of granular synthesis. Firmware version 2.0 is optimized for 48kHz, 24-bit audio. Documentation includes a quick guide, a written manual and extended videos.

Context

The Instruo Arbhar was described at its 2019 launch as heralding a new generation of granular processing. The 2.0 version, announced in October 2023, became a stereo granular module and was a significant update to the original design.