Qu-Bit Stardust: A Cosmic Take on Tape Looping for Eurorack

Qu-Bit introduces Stardust as their latest foray into the world of modular tape looping, positioning it as a stereo looper with a cosmic twist. The module is designed to capture and replay layers of audio, inviting users to construct new sonic textures from simple recordings. This isn’t just a utilitarian looper—it’s pitched as a creative tool for building complex soundscapes, much like assembling a constellation from individual stars.

From the outset, Stardust is framed as a device for sonic exploration, with Qu-Bit promising a range of manipulation options that go well beyond basic looping. The video sets the stage for a deep dive into both the tactile controls and the more esoteric features, hinting at a module that’s as much about experimentation as it is about traditional looping duties.

The front panel of Stardust is dominated by the illuminated Galaxy LEDs, a visual feedback system reminiscent of Qu-Bit’s Mojave and Aurora modules. These LEDs serve as both eye candy and functional indicators for various controls, making it easier to keep track of what’s happening during a performance or patch session.

Key controls start with In Level and Mix. In Level not only sets the gain for incoming audio but also introduces tape-style saturation as you push it past the center position—a nod to classic tape machines. The Mix knob blends dry and wet signals, and its curve can be adjusted via Qu-Bit’s Narwhal web app, offering flexibility for different mixing preferences.

Recording is handled by a dedicated button, with playback managed via Play/Pause and Reset. The workflow is straightforward: set levels, hit record, and loop away. The video demonstrates how easy it is to lay down a loop, adjust mix, and toggle playback, with the Galaxy LEDs providing constant visual cues. This hands-on approach is clearly aimed at performers who want immediate, tactile control over their loops.

Stardust isn’t content with simple looping. The module offers a suite of manipulation tools that encourage creative risk-taking. Reverse playback is a one-touch affair, instantly flipping the loop’s direction and opening up classic tape tricks. Undo and Erase functions provide a safety net, letting users remove or restore layers without fear of losing work—until a new recording is made, at which point changes become permanent.

Loop boundaries are set with Start and Size controls, allowing precise definition of which part of the buffer is looped. The Size knob can shrink the loop down to as little as five milliseconds, enabling everything from long ambient washes to rapid-fire microloops. This flexibility is crucial for those who want to move beyond static, repetitive looping.

Varispeed is a central feature, controlling both playback speed and pitch in true tape fashion. The range is broad—1/16th to 8x speed, spanning four octaves down to three up. A one-volt-per-octave input allows melodic sequencing, while the Inertia knob introduces tape lag for more natural, analog-feeling speed changes. These features combine to make Stardust a playground for both precise and chaotic loop manipulation.

Stardust’s Skip and Slice controls push the module into experimental territory. Skip divides the loop into nine transformation zones, each introducing new behaviors like random reversals, octave jumps, or altered stereo images. Slice exponentially increases the number of splice points, allowing for intricate rearrangements and glitchy textures. When combined, these controls let users deconstruct and reassemble loops in real time, with visual feedback from the Galaxy LEDs marking each new zone or slice amount.

The module’s effect section offers four DSP modes: tape emulation (with wow, flutter, and hiss), digital artifacts (sample rate and bit crushing), lush reverb, and a dual filter (high-pass and low-pass). Each effect is selected via a dedicated button, with the Flutter and Hiss knobs repurposed for different parameters depending on the mode. This section is clearly designed for end-of-chain processing, letting users sculpt their loops with everything from subtle tape coloration to full-on digital destruction.

Freeze, another Qu-Bit signature, locks the tape head and repeats a tiny fraction of the loop, creating stutter and granular effects. The combination of these features means Stardust is as much a sound design instrument as it is a traditional looper, capable of everything from ambient washes to aggressive glitching.