Expert Sleepers Opens the DSP Floodgates: disting NT’s Three Pot Algorithm Unleashed

The disting NT’s latest firmware, version 1.5, introduces the whimsically named Three Pot algorithm—a move that transforms the module into a host for DSP plug-ins. Users can now load small, self-contained DSP programs directly from the MicroSD card, effectively turning the disting NT into a chameleon of digital effects. This approach is a nod to modular flexibility, letting users swap and experiment with new algorithms without any hardware changes.

The process is refreshingly straightforward: load your chosen plug-ins onto the card, select the Three Pot algorithm, and you’re ready to go. It’s a significant leap for those who want to keep their rack’s sonic palette in constant flux, with the added bonus of hands-on control via the module’s three physical pots.

The Three Pot algorithm is specifically designed to support programs originally written for the Spin Semiconductor FV-1 chip—a staple in both Eurorack and broader music tech circles. The FV-1’s enduring popularity comes from its stereo I/O, straightforward architecture, and the trio of user pots that define its interface. This design philosophy is mirrored in the disting NT, making the transition for FV-1 aficionados seamless.

By translating FV-1 code into C++ and compiling it for the disting NT, Expert Sleepers ensures that a vast library of existing effects is instantly accessible. This compatibility means users can tap into a rich ecosystem of open-source DSP programs, many of which have been developed and shared by a passionate community over the years.

To get started, users simply place their desired FV-1 programs—readily available from GitHub, Discord, or their own creations—into a dedicated folder on the SD card. The module reads these as text files, complete with code and pot labels, making it easy to organise and access a huge range of effects. Once loaded, selecting a program is as simple as turning the encoder, which also displays helpful information pulled from the file itself.

The real magic lies in the hands-on control: the three pots provide direct access to the parameters defined by each program, such as reverb time or filter cutoff. This bypasses the usual menu-diving, giving users immediate, tactile manipulation of their chosen effect. Whether you’re dialling in lush reverbs, tweaking delays, or exploring more esoteric DSP territory, the workflow is designed for quick experimentation and live performance.

Beyond the basic plug-in architecture, the Three Pot algorithm offers a suite of routing and gain options to ensure your effects sit perfectly in the mix. Users can choose between 100% wet output, a wet/dry blend, or independent gain controls for dry and wet signals—mirroring how many FV-1-based modules are used in practice. This flexibility allows for precise integration into any modular patch, whether you want subtle parallel processing or full-on effect washes.

Pre/post gain adjustment is another key feature, letting users match modular-level signals to the DSP’s expected range. This is especially crucial for dynamics processors or distortions, where input level shapes the effect’s response. Additionally, the module can run programs at different sample rates, either matching the FV-1’s typical 32kHz or experimenting with lower rates for creative degradation. These options can even be modulated via CV, opening up further sonic possibilities.