TL;DR: Befaco and Tesseract Modular have teamed up to create the ARK, a 16-track Eurorack groovebox module that packs synthesis, sample playback, and sequencing into a single self-contained unit. It features deterministic, stochastic, and Euclidean sequencing per track, a generous 16-source modulation engine, and both audio and CV output capabilities. Available late 2026 for a rather ominous 666€, it’s a bold attempt to bring the classic groovebox workflow into a single Eurorack hub.
- 16 tracks with flexible sequencing: deterministic, stochastic, and Euclidean modes per track, along with hands-on controls for note, velocity, length, chance, repeats, and divisions.
- Dual sound engines: synthesis-based (bass drum, kick, snare, FM perc, acid, lead, bells, rubber, modal, plus polysynths for chords) and sample-based with slicing and playback from internal RAM or microSD.
- Built-in mixing, effects, and master dynamics, plus a 16-source modulation engine that can modulate parameters without additional modules.
- CV and MIDI hub functionality: 8 CV/gate outputs, 6 CV inputs, MIDI in/out (TRS mini jacks), reset/clock in/out, and a USB-A host port.
- Price and availability: 666€ including VAT, shipping in late 2026.
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What Is the ARK?
Let’s be honest: trying to recreate the feel of a classic groovebox in Eurorack often leads to a sprawling mess of modules, patch cables, and a budget that could fund a small car. Befaco, the Barcelona-based mad scientists, have decided to take a different route. At Superbooth 2026, they unveiled the ARK, a Eurorack module developed in collaboration with Tesseract Modular. Think of it as a self-contained groovebox that fits in your rack without needing a second mortgage for additional modules.
The ARK is described as a “self-contained instrument and sequencer for the Eurorack world.” Practically, it’s a marriage of Tesseract’s Turka and Vinia modules, but dressed in Befaco’s signature aesthetic. With 16 tracks, each driven by its own sequencer, you can load synthesis engines, sample playback, or both. It’s a brave attempt to shove an entire groovebox into a single module, and we at Noxal are cautiously intrigued.
Engines and Samples
On the synthesis side, ARK offers a respectable arsenal. Percussive engines include bass drum, kick, snare, and FM perc, while bass/lead options cover acid, lead, bells, rubber, and modal. There are even polysynth engines for chord tracks, which suggests someone at Befaco has been listening to the community’s pleas for polyphony in Eurorack. It’s not a full-blown poly-synth, but it’s a start.
Sample playback is equally robust. You can load samples with slicing capabilities, playing them back from the module’s internal RAM or a microSD card slot. The internal mixer ties everything together, with effects and master dynamics to polish the final mix. For a module that’s still a Eurorack module, this is impressively self-contained. I’d still want to patch in external effects, but for a live set, this could be a one-box solution.
Sequencing and Modulation
The sequencer is where ARK gets interesting. Each of the 16 tracks offers deterministic, stochastic, and Euclidean modes. You can tweak note, velocity, length, chance, repeats, and divisions directly on the hardware via 16 clicky Cherry buttons and four knobs. More importantly, there are dedicated buttons for copy, paste, clear, and undo — workflow features that many groovebox manufacturers seem to forget exist. We at Noxal appreciate when a developer respects the user’s time.
Modulation is handled by an internal 16-source modulation engine. That’s 16 modulation sources without needing a single extra module. You can route these to modulate parameters across the tracks, which is a godsend for those of us who’ve spent hours patching LFOs and envelopes manually. Is it as flexible as a dedicated modulation module? Probably not. But for a groovebox, it’s more than adequate.
Connectivity and Hub Functionality
ARK is not just a sound source; it’s a hub. It can generate both audio and CV, with individual outputs that can be assigned per track. Want track 1 to output audio to your mixer while track 2 sends CV gates to a modular voice? You can do that. It also serves as a full MIDI sequencer, sending MIDI data per track and receiving MIDI for parameter modulation or playing the internal engines.
On the back panel, you’ll find MIDI in/out on TRS mini jacks (a format that’s still divisive in 2026, but we digress), six CV inputs, eight CV/gate outputs, reset and clock in/out, and a USB-A host port. The USB-A is a deliberate choice — likely for compatibility with existing controllers — but I’d personally prefer USB-C at this point. It’s a minor gripe, but one that feels dated in an otherwise forward-thinking design.
Market Context and Verdict
Befaco ARK enters a crowded space. Eurorack grooveboxes are not new — modules like the Erica Synths Drum Sequencer, the Arturia BeatStep Pro in rack format, or even the Squarp Hermod+ have tried similar concepts. What sets ARK apart is its all-in-one approach with 16 tracks, dual sound engines, and CV hub functionality. It’s essentially a groovebox, a sequencer, and a modulation source rolled into one.
Who is it for? If you’re building a compact Eurorack system and want a central brain that can handle drums, synths, samples, and sequencing without adding a dozen modules, the ARK is your ticket. It’s also for those who miss the hands-on workflow of classic grooveboxes but want to stay in the modular ecosystem. The price of 666€ is eyebrow-raising — not just for the number, but because it places ARK in the premium range. For that, you get a lot of functionality, but you’ll need to decide if you want to commit to a single module that does everything.
We at Noxal are curious to see how deep the menu diving goes. With 16 tracks and 16 modulation sources, the potential for complexity is high. I hope Befaco has prioritized a clear interface — otherwise, those Cherry buttons might get a workout for all the wrong reasons. No hands-on video from Superbooth 2026 is a shame, but we’ll reserve judgment until we can get our fingers on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ARK as a standalone groovebox without other modules?
Yes, ARK is designed as a self-contained instrument. It has built-in synth engines, sample playback, sequencing, mixing, effects, and modulation. You can power it with a Eurorack case and output audio directly to a mixer or headphones. However, you’ll still need a Eurorack case with power supply to host the module.
Does ARK support polyphonic sequencing?
Yes, ARK includes polysynth engines that work well with chord tracks. The sequencer can handle polyphonic data, and the module can output MIDI for external gear. For CV-based polyphony, you’ll need to use the individual outputs per track.
What is the USB-A host port used for?
The USB-A host port allows you to connect a USB MIDI controller or other USB devices to control the ARK’s parameters or play its synth engines. It can also be used for firmware updates and sample transfer, though Befaco hasn’t detailed the latter yet.
I’m already imagining the ARK sitting in my rack, flanked by a couple of modules I’ll inevitably ignore because this thing wants all my attention. Time to brew another coffee — I have a feeling this groovebox will keep me up past my bedtime.