Intellijel Planar 2 Review & Guide: The Ultimate Eurorack Joystick Controller
If you're searching for a module that combines hands-on expression with deep modulation and mixing capabilities, the Intellijel Planar 2 deserves serious attention. This 14 HP Eurorack joystick controller has earned a good reputation as one of the most versatile performance surfaces in modular synthesis, and for good reason.
Key Takeaways
The Intellijel Planar 2 is a high-precision Eurorack joystick controller that functions as a performance-oriented vector mixer and quadraphonic panner. Since its release in mid-2018, it has become a modern classic in the modular world, praised for its ability to merge tactile control with automated modulation. Here's what you need to know at a glance:
Planar 2 offers ultra-smooth joystick movements, four-quadrant vector mixing, recording of manual gestures (up to approximately four minutes with current firmware), and powerful CV processing in 14 HP.
The module excels both as a hands-on live performance surface and as an automation source for complex patches, making it a "brain" module rather than a simple controller you stick in a corner.
The Intellijel GX expander adds eight extra gate outputs tied to joystick positions and motion, dramatically expanding sequencing and performance options for just 4 HP more.
While the name "Planar 2" echoes Rega's Planar 2 budget turntable and that brand's enviable track record in making turntables since the original Planar 2 was released in 1976, in the Eurorack world this module has built its own reputation as a great value performance tool.
It features four inputs for audio or control voltage sources for mixing and panning, making it equally at home processing sound or shaping modulation.
What Is Intellijel Planar 2?
Intellijel's Planar 2 is the company's second-generation joystick controller and vector mixer for Eurorack, a major update over the original Planar that refined the build quality, expanded recording capabilities, and added expander support. It combines a high-quality spring-centered joystick, four input VCAs and crossfaders, motion recording, and CV generation-all designed for real-time control of modulation, mixing, and spatialization.
Much like how a trusted budget turntable earns its place through solid engineering principles and reliability, Planar 2 has become the go-to recommendation for anyone wanting a tactile controller in their modular system. The module is 14 HP wide, 40 mm deep (skiff-friendly), and designed to be placed within easy reach for studio improvisation and stage performance alike. It allows for dynamic routing and morphing between multiple sound sources using nothing more than the position of your hand.
Core Features and Specifications
This section covers the hard numbers and feature checklist for anyone evaluating Planar 2 for their system.
Width: 14 HP. Depth: 40 mm maximum. These dimensions make it compatible with most Eurorack cases, including shallow skiffs.
Power consumption: +12 V at approximately 85 mA, –12 V at approximately 32 mA.
The joystick is robust and center-sprung, providing independent control over X and Y axes for continuous CV generation. It feels smooth and responsive, supporting both swift rhythmic gestures and slow, precise focus movements.
Four quadrant inputs (A, B, C, D) accept either audio or CV signals. Moving the joystick crossfades between these inputs using proportional VCA logic.
Key outputs include A, B, C, D individual quadrant outs, a main MIX output, X OUT, Y OUT, and a GATE output on the main unit.
It can operate in both unipolar (0 to +10 V) and bipolar (–5 to +5 V) CV modes for versatility in use, selected via physical polarity switches on the front panel.
Motion recording captures joystick paths and plays them back as loops or one-shot sequences. With firmware 1.2 and later, maximum loop length is approximately four minutes-up from roughly 30 seconds in earlier versions.
Recording and playback can be free-running or synchronized to an external trigger/clock input, and the module handles both audio and CV at standard Eurorack levels.
Joystick Movements and Vector Mixing Explained
Vector mixing is the concept of blending four signals in a two-dimensional space, where the joystick's position determines how much of each source you hear. This paradigm is far more expressive than a simple crossfader because every subtle shift of your hand changes the balance across four channels simultaneously.
Moving the joystick toward corner A, B, C, or D increases that input's level while proportionally reducing the others. Intermediate positions create complex blends of all four-you can land on a sweet spot that mixes 40% of one voice with 20% each of two others and barely a whisper of the fourth.
In musical terms: quick flicks create rhythmic stabs between sound sources, circular sweeps rotate through all four voices like an evolving texture, and diagonal moves produce dramatic A-to-C or B-to-D transitions.
X and Y CV outputs mirror the joystick position in real time. A single gesture can simultaneously morph audio content, sweep a filter cutoff, shift wavefolding depth, and adjust effects send levels across your patch.
The quadrant LEDs provide instant visual feedback, so you always know where you stand in the mix space.
Front Panel Layout and Controls
Think of this as a verbal tour of the Planar 2 interface so you can visualize operating it without needing a diagram.
The joystick sits at the center of the panel, surrounded by LED indicators that show quadrant selection intensity and motion playback status.
A, B, C, D input jacks run along the edges, each accepting audio or CV. There are no individual level knobs per input-gain staging happens before the module.
The main mix output sums all four VCA channels. Individual X/Y CV outputs sit nearby, and a dedicated gate output provides trigger signals from joystick activity or the manual gate button.
Two CV input jacks (CV1 and CV2) with attenuverters let you modulate the joystick's virtual position externally, adding another layer of control.
Record and play buttons with LED states handle motion capture. Mode buttons (ABCD and XY) toggle how the joystick, recordings, and CV inputs affect the various outputs-steady, flashing, and off states each mean something different.
The silkscreening is clear, color-coded, and spaced so patch cables don't obstruct joystick movements during performance.
Motion Recording, Looping, and Automation
Motion recording is Planar 2's secret superpower. It transforms the module from a passive controller into an active modulation source that can run complex gestures hands-free, which is invaluable during live sets or when you need your hands elsewhere in a patch.
The basic workflow: press the record button, move the joystick to draw your desired path through the 2D space, then stop recording. Planar 2 loops or plays back that path automatically.
Users can record joystick movements for playback as complex envelopes or looping LFOs-far more organic than any standard waveform shape.
Playback can be free-running or clock-synchronized via the trigger input, letting you stretch or compress gestures to match your track's tempo.
The unit records X/Y position data and gate button presses. All of this is sent out as CV to modulate other modules during playback.
Concrete examples: a slow evolving vector mix between four oscillators; rhythmic filter sweeps that would be impossible to repeat by hand; complex panning paths for quadraphonic setups.
The unit includes a gesture recording feature that enhances expressive live performance-perform once, then free your hands while Planar 2 repeats your moves indefinitely.
Using Planar 2 with Audio Signals
Planar 2 is not just a CV controller-it's an excellent performance mixer for audio inputs. Patch four sound sources into A through D, and the joystick becomes your mixing desk.
Crossfading between four different voices or waveforms by simply moving the joystick to different corners of the 2D field.
Blending dry and multiple effects returns (reverb, delay, distortion, granular) in expressive ways that make an ensemble playing sound shift and evolve with every gesture.
Morphing between four entirely different patches or soundscapes in a live performance, where moving diagonally can introduce layers and create builds or breakdowns on the fly.
The joystick can act as a quadraphonic panner, positioning audio in a spatial configuration across four speakers or output channels.
Keep gain staging in mind: ensure input levels stay within clean headroom so the main output feeds your final mix or another VCA without clipping. Earlier firmware versions had mixer bleed issues, but these were addressed in updates 1.01 and 1.02.
With gesture recording active, Planar 2 becomes an "animated mixer"-your recorded path continuously evolves the balance between sources without requiring constant hands-on control.
Using Planar 2 with CV and Modulation
Many users primarily treat Planar 2 as a modulation router and macro controller rather than an audio mixer. Plans for external CV control allow for advanced modulation patterns that go well beyond what a simple joystick can deliver on its own.
Route four modulation sources (LFOs, envelopes, random voltages, sequencers) into A through D, then use the joystick to choose which modulation dominates which destination. The ability to switch between modulation flavors in real time opens up a lot more fine detail in your patches.
X and Y outputs can control multiple parameters at once, creating "macro moves" that simultaneously open a filter, increase reverb send, and detune oscillators with a single gesture.
Blending between four different sequencer CV lines to create melodic variations that shift with joystick position.
Manually steering between random and highly quantized sources for evolving melodies that feel alive rather than mechanical.
Vector-mixing modulation depths rather than audio signals-imagine crossfading between a slow LFO, a fast LFO, an envelope follower, and a sample-and-hold.
Recorded motion functions as a custom LFO with any arbitrary shape, far more expressive than triangle or sine waves and closer to how a musician actually wants modulation to feel.
Planar 2 in Live Performance and Studio Workflow
Planar 2 stands out as a performance centerpiece for both live modular shows and studio recording sessions. Unlike a fixed LFO or envelope, joystick gestures carry the kind of human feel that makes music breathe-much like the difference between a programmed rhythm section and one played by real musicians where you can hear a saxophonist's innate groove and the way a band sounded when everyone locked in together.
Placing the module ergonomically within reach so it becomes the focal point of your rig.
Using joystick movements as a visual performance element-audiences respond to seeing a performer physically interact with their instrument.
Capturing automation mid-set to free hands for other tasks, so you can stick with a gesture loop while adjusting other modules.
Recording Planar 2's outputs into a DAW as CV (via a DC-coupled audio interface) or as audio for later editing and re-amping modular parameters.
Using it to quickly audition different patch routings by moving through quadrants-push to one corner to hear a voice in isolation, sweep diagonally to find interesting blends.
Capturing one-off gestures that become hooks or transitions in tracks, turning spontaneous movements into repeatable musical moments.
The Intellijel GX Expander: Features and Integration
The GX expander (also known as Qx in some product lines) is a compact 4 HP module that connects to Planar 2 via an internal ribbon cable, adding eight additional gate outputs tightly tied to joystick activity. It requires firmware 1.2 or later on Planar 2.
8 gate outputs arranged in a row: outputs 1–4 go high when the joystick is in quadrants A, B, C, or D respectively; outputs 5–8 correspond to the top half, bottom half, right half, and left half of the axes.
Normalled behavior to Planar 2's motion and position-gates fire when the joystick crosses quadrant boundaries or axis centers, whether driven by hand, recorded loops, or external CV. This works regardless of which mode buttons are active on Planar 2 itself.
Same mechanical format as other Intellijel expanders for easy case integration. It connects via a 6-pin I2C ribbon cable and draws power through its own 10-pin header on the Eurorack bus.
The GX doesn't add new CV paths. Instead, it dramatically increases how Planar 2's gestures can trigger discrete events elsewhere in your patch-the joystick can generate gate signals based on movement or manual activation through the expander's outputs.
This transforms Planar 2 from a purely continuous modulation surface into a hybrid controller that produces both smooth CV and rhythmic triggers simultaneously.
Maximizing Workflow with Planar 2 + GX Expander
Planar 2 is already powerful on its own, but the GX expander turns joystick movements into a dense web of rhythmic and structural triggers that can drive an entire patch. One gesture can simultaneously morph audio, reshape modulation, and fire off gates-all the drive you need for a complete performance from a single control surface.
Assigning different GX gate outs to envelopes, drum modules, or sample triggers so that moving into each quadrant fires distinct events. Enter quadrant B and a kick fires; cross into C and a hi-hat opens.
Using recorded joystick loops to generate repeating gate patterns that function like an organic, non-grid sequencer with tighter timing than you might expect from gesture-based input.
Pairing GX gates with a clock divider or logic module to build complex, performable rhythms that respond to your physical movements in real time.
GX can trigger scene changes: switching mutes, advancing sequencers, flipping quantizer scales, or changing effect presets whenever the joystick crosses certain boundaries.
One gesture can simultaneously morph audio, reshape modulation, and fire off gates, drastically reducing the need for multiple small controllers.
The system encourages performance-first patching, where you "play" the patch rather than edit parameters one by one-a major source of creative satisfaction that's hard to replicate with knobs and buttons alone.
Comparisons, System Planning, and Who Planar 2 Is For
Planar 2 fills a fundamentally different role from fader banks, simple joystick modules, or standard CV sources. In any comparison with alternatives, it consistently stands out for the depth of its feature set relative to its footprint.
High-quality joystick feel and build quality that rewards both gentle exploration and aggressive performance.
Integrated vector mixing that handles four audio or CV sources with smooth crossfading.
Motion recording and playback with up to four minutes of loop time.
Seamless expansion with GX for gate generation that adds rhythmic control to continuous modulation.
Ideal companions include quad VCAs, effects processors, quad panners, spectral processors, and complex oscillators-any module that responds dramatically to CV benefits from Planar 2's outputs. It shines in performance skiffs, 6U live rigs, and sound-design focused studio systems where various instruments and textures need expressive real-time control.
Who benefits most:
Performers who want a tactile center to their rig, something to physically grab and play.
Sound designers who like drawing complex modulation shapes that would be tedious to program with stepped sequencers.
Users building surround, quad, or spatial audio patches where the 2D joystick surface maps naturally to physical speaker positions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to practical questions that come up frequently about Planar 2 and the GX expander.
Do I need the Intellijel GX expander for Planar 2 to be useful?
Planar 2 is fully functional on its own. You get joystick control, vector mixing, motion recording, X/Y CV outputs, and the onboard gate output without GX. The expander becomes important if you want to translate joystick movements into multiple gate and trigger streams for drums, envelopes, and sequencers. Start with Planar 2 alone if HP or budget is tight, and add GX later once you find yourself wishing gestures could fire more events across your patch.
Can Planar 2 handle both audio and CV at the same time?
Yes. You can mix audio signals at the A through D inputs while simultaneously generating CV via X/Y outputs and recorded motion. Keep an eye on gain staging when combining hot audio signals with large modulation swings to avoid clipping or unexpected parameter jumps. A typical hybrid patch might route audio on the four inputs, X/Y outputs controlling filters or effects, and GX gates (if present) triggering envelopes tied to those same sounds.
Is Planar 2 suitable for beginners, or is it only for advanced users?
Planar 2 is conceptually simple at its core-move the joystick, hear and see the result. Beginners can get satisfying results within minutes by patching two sources and crossfading between them. The depth comes from more advanced techniques like four-voice vector mixing, motion recording, and GX trigger integration. The module grows with you as your system and skills expand, which is part of why it has earned such a strong reputation.
How does Planar 2 compare to using a MIDI controller or DAW automation?
Planar 2 operates entirely in analog CV and audio with very low latency and no computer required, making it ideal for hands-on modular rigs. DAW automation can be more precise or recallable, but it often feels less immediate and tactile than physically grabbing a joystick. Many users take a hybrid approach: they record Planar 2's CV outputs into a DAW via a DC-coupled interface, effectively converting their joystick gestures into timeline automation for later editing-getting the best of both worlds.
Is Planar 2 good for quad or spatial audio setups?
Planar 2 is particularly well suited to quad or multichannel configurations. Each corner of the joystick can represent a speaker or spatial zone, and combined with suitable panning modules or VCAs, joystick movements create smooth, performable trajectories through space. The "Planar" name itself hints at this 2D spatial concept-a flat plane across which sound can travel. Whether you're designing immersive installations or simply want more spatial interest in stereo, the four-quadrant architecture maps naturally to spatial work.
