Synth modules

Notes: Module A-151 (Quad Sequential Switch) is like an electronic four-position rotary switch.
It includes trigger and reset inputs, four in / outputs, and a common out / input. Each time a pulse is received at the trigger input socket, the common out / input is connected to the next in / output. After the fourth in / output, the next trigger makes it step back to the first again, and so on. A positive pulse at the reset input switches the out / input immediately back to the first in / output.
Voltages in the range -12V...+12V at the O/I resp. I/O sockets can be processed by the module (not only control voltages but also gate, trigger or clock signals provided that they are in the -12V...+12V range).
By means of a toggle switch the number of steps can be limited to 2, 3 or 4.
Four LEDs indicate the active in / output (ie. the on that is connected to the out / input at any particular time).

For more detailed information please look at the English user's manual: A151_man.pdf.

Similar modules:
A-150-1 Dual Voltage Controlled Switch
A-150-8 Octal Manual/Voltage Controlled Programmable Switches
A-152 Voltage Addressed Track&Hold / Switch (Multiplexer) / Digital Outputs

Technical notes:
To protect the electronic switches in case of an unsuitable patch (e.g. connection of two outputs) a 1k protection resistor is inserted into the O/I line. If control voltages used for VCOs are switched this may cause a small voltage drop and lead to undesired audible detuning. For this application we recommend to insert a CV buffer between A-151 and the VCO(s), e.g. the modules A-180-3, A-180-4 or the Precision Adder A-185-2. Integrating the buffer into the module A-151 is not possible because this would ruin the bidirectionality of the switches.
For modules manufactured before spring 2005 the voltage range at the in/outputs was limited to -8V...+8V. From spring 2005 the revised version of the module was available. With an additional switch the number of steps can be set to 2, 3 or 4 (thanks to Peter Grenader for this idea). Moreover the revised module allows to process voltages in the full A-100 voltage range (i.e. -12V...+12V). The limitation to -8V...+8V is no longer valid. The A-100 DIY page describes how to install this additional switch for the old version of A-151.

Width: 4 HP / 20.0 mm
Depth: 35 mm (measured from the rear side of the front panel)
Current: +20mA (+12V) / -10mA (-12V)

Notes: Module A-151 (Quad Sequential Switch) is like an electronic four-position rotary switch.

It includes trigger and reset inputs, four in/outputs, and a common out/input. Each time a pulse is received at the trigger input socket, the common out/input is connected to the next in/output. After the fourth in/output, the next trigger makes it step back to the first again, and so on. A positive pulse at the reset input switches the out/input immediately back to the first in/output. Voltages in the range -8V...+8V at the O/I resp. I/O sockets can be processed by the module.

Four LED's indicate the active in/output (ie. the one that is connected to the out/input at any particular time).

Notes: A-182-2 is a simple passive module that contains four changeover switches, which are used to connect or disconnect the sockets of the corresponding socket triplet:

- In the upper position of the switch the upper socket of the corresponding socket triplet is connected to the centre socket
- In the lower position of the switch the lower socket of the corresponding socket triplet is connected to the centre socket
- In the centre position of the switch the sockets are not connected

Each unit of the module can be used to switch between two signals or to interrupt/connect a signal. In the last case the third socket of the triplet is not used.

The module is fully passive and both audio or control signals can be switched.

Notes: Module A-182-1 is a simple passive multi-connector similar to the multiples modules A-180-1/A-180-2. In contrast to modules A-180-1/2 each socket is equipped with a 3-position switch that allows to connect the corresponding socket to the internal bus #1 (left position), bus #2 (right position) or to turn the socket off (centre position).

Examples:

- All switches in left position or all switches in right position: 8-fold multiple

- Four switches in left position and four switches in right position: two 4-fold multiple

- X switches in left position, Y switches in right position and Z switches in centre position: two separate multiples with some sockets turned off

Notes: The Shifty is essentially a combination of four sample and hold stages, a sequential gate and sequencer controller. This collection of functions allows for some specific and useful utility application.

One of the primary uses for Shifty is to take a monophonic sequence source and route each new note of the sequence to up to four different synthesizer voices in a specific pattern. In this way you can create pseudo polyphonic sequences since each voice can be triggered to play and sustain while the next voice int the sequence gets triggered. Another term for this is hocketing.

The other main application of the Shifty is to function as an Analog Shift Register. In this mode each new gate input received causes the current set of pitches to be shifted to new output locations as a new one is added and the oldest one is replaced. This can be an interesting way to create chords that are up to four stacked notes when used with a pitch sequence source that has a harmonious series of notes (e.g. a pentatonic scale works really well). Even just using two of the outputs will yield very interesting melodic interplay and is an excellent way to make a simple sequence much more complex and interesting.

In a more basic way the Shifty could be used as a simple Sample/Track and Hold module or as a sequential gate.

Notes: Clever sequential signal processing from Joranalogue, capable of a range of functions including toggling signal muter/attenuator, clock divider, rotating shift register or programmable voltage bank.

Supplier's Notes:
Sequencers, sequential switches, counters, analogue shift registers... Modular synthesisers provide a wealth of creative sequential functions for controlling and processing signals. Choosing which of these to include in a system can be a bewildering task.

Except when you don't have to choose. Step 8 represents a new type of modular building block: a sequential tracking/sampling register, which can be configured to provide any of these functions, and many more.

At its heart lies an analogue 1-to-8 signal switch feeding an octet of high-stability track/sample-and-hold stages. Each of these has its own analogue output with an attenuation slider, in addition to a gate output. LEDs visualise the status of each stage in real time. The switch can be controlled sequentially using the built-in 8-step counter, or addressed directly by an analogue control voltage (CV).

Numerous advanced circuit techniques are used to avoid the issues that often plague analogue switching and memory modules. The result: totally transparent signal paths with low noise, distortion and voltage 'droop', yet high bandwidth and precision.

Add to this the ability to 'mute' the inactive stages, pause the counter, reset it, change its direction or even shift the stages on each step, and the possibilities quickly become near-endless. A scanning output takes things even further, particularly making sequencer or addressed voltage source use easy and intuitive.

For those who are feeling adventurous, there are always more applications to try: configurable voltage mapper, hocketing controller, clock divider, graphic waveshaper, multi-output analogue downsampler... Discover a new world of sequential synthesis with Step 8.

16 HP
+12: 110 mA, -12: 45 mA

Notes: Module A-150-8 contains eight manually/voltage controlled switches. Each of the eight switches has a manual control button (Man.), a control voltage input (CV), a common Out / Input (O/I), and two In / Outputs (I/O1, I/O2). The switches are bi-directional, i.e. they can work in both directions, so can connect one input to either of two outputs, or either of two inputs to one output. Two LEDs show which in / output is active (i.e. which is connected to the common out / input). In addition, the LEDs are used for the programming of the module:

For each unit the operating mode can be selected: Toggle or Level controlled. In Toggle mode the rising edge of the CV input or operating the manual control button changes the state of the switch. In Level mode the switch state is defined by the voltage applied to the CV input (low voltage = I/O1, high voltage = I/O2) or by the state of the manual control button (not pressed = I/O1, pressed = I/O2). The modes are programmed very easily: Operating the Toggle/Level button of the program section displays the current state of each switch with the LEDs: left LED on = Toggle mode, right LED on = Level mode. Operating the manual control button of the switch in question changes the toggle/level mode while the Toggle/Level button of the program section is operated. During the programming patched CV signals may have to be removed as the CV signals would interfere with the manual operating buttons during the programming process.

In addition, it's possible to define master/slave groups. In such a group the upper unit (= master) controls also the state of the following switches provided that they are defined as slaves. Master/slave programming is also very simple: Operating the Master/Slave button of the program section displays the current state of each switch with the LEDs: left LED on = Master, right LED on = Slave.

When all 8 units are defined as master all switches are independent from each other. If for example the sequence is MSSSMSMS the control unit of the first switch also controls the switches 2, 3 and 4. The control unit of switch 5 also controls the switch 6, and the control unit of switch 7 also controls the switch 8. The current states of the slave switches are overwritten by the state of the master switch.

Technical note: To protect the electronic switches in case of an unsuitable patch (e.g. connection of two outputs) a 1k protection resistor is inserted into the O/I line of each switch. If control voltages used for VCOs are switched this may cause a small voltage drop and lead to undesired audible detuning. For this application we recommend to insert a CV buffer between A-150-8 and the VCO(s), e.g. the Buffered Multiple A-180-3 or the Precision Adder A-185-2. Integrating the buffers into the module A-150-8 was not possible because this would ruin the bidirectionality of the switches.

Width: 12 HP / 60.6 mm
Depth: 55 mm (measured from the rear side of the front panel)
Current: +40mA (+12V) / -5mA (-12V)

Notes: Module A-150-1 (Dual VCS) contains two separate voltage-controlled switches.

Each switch has a control voltage input, a common Out / Input, and two In / Outputs. The switches are bi-directional: they can work in both directions, so can connect one input to either of two outputs, or either of two inputs to one output. Voltages in the range -8V...+8V at the O/I resp. I/O sockets can be processed by the module.

Two LEDs show which in / output is active (i.e. which is connected to the common out / input).

Notes: Part of Xaoc's Leibniz subsystem, which processes signals and voltages by manipulating binary 8-bit numbers, the Poczdam allows switching between two data sources.

Supplier's Notes:
Poczdam is a binary data routing solution for the Xaoc Leibniz Subsystem. It facilitates manual and remote switching between two Leibniz data sources, modifying individual bits of the data stream, and re-clocking the data with its onboard voltage-controlled wideband oscillator or any external clock signal. Poczdam is particularly useful within complex Leibniz setups where the user needs to reconfigure the data flow between multiple modules. However, it can also be employed in small creative patches, e.g., for waveform splicing, disrupting rhythmic loops, or generating digital chaos.
To better understand the device and avoid common pitfalls, it is strongly advised to read through the entire user manual before use.

Component of the Leibniz Binary Subsystem
Routing Leibniz data
Reclocking Leibniz data
Additional CV clock generator (up to 2MHz)

6hp, 30mm deep
Current draw: +20mA/-10mA
Reverse power protection

The high quality Coal Mine black panels are available for all Xaoc Devices modules. Sold separately. Ask your favourite retailer.

Drezno is the input/output front-end of the system, consisting of an analogue-to-digital converter (ADC) and a digital-to-analogue converter (DAC), that alone can be used for manipulating analogue signals and voltages based on their binary representation.

Lipsk is a binary logic processing expander module that can flip (invert) individual bits of the digital signal representation. There are more Leibniz Binary Subsystem elements coming, with specialized and advanced sets of features.

Jena is a digital module that may be used as a flexible waveshaper for CV and audio signals, a wavetable oscillator, a Walsh function generator, or a rhythm generator.

Erfurt is a bi-directional digital counter, frequency divider. It has multiple applications: the output of the counter may be used as a phase source driving a digital wavetable, connected to other Leibniz modules it may scan waveshapes in Jena, produce stepped voltages useful for making interesting glissandi with Drezno and any VCO, generate gate patterns animating the spectrum of Odessa harmonic banks, spawn pseudo-chaotic sequences when fed back to Lipsk, etc.

Notes: 8-input, 8-output sequential/addressable switch with manual, trigger, and CV control, plus three grouping options, multiple switching directions, and randomization.

Vice Virga is an 8-input, 8-output sequential/addressable switch with a plethora of features and extensive patchability. Vice Virga can be configured as a single 8-channel switch, two 4-channel switches, or four 2-channel switches. Equal parts automated patch arranger and performance tool, Vice Virga has loads of switching control options. Whether you want to chain sequencers, swap outputs on an oscillator, remix a trigger pattern, or mix up every connection in a patch just to see what happens, Vice Virga can do it!

Features:

Size and power:
8HP Eurorack
+12v: 40mA
-12v: 20mA
Vice i from Latin for "alternately"

Virga i from Latin for "switch"

"Alternating Switch"

Notes: Erica Synths Black Mixer is compact, high quality audio mixer with bonus features - mute switch on each input and three buffered outputs. This allows you to add audio signals to your mix instantly and in exactly right level, plus you can send signals to several post-mixer devices simultaneously, for example, split the output signal to LP and HP VCFs and create advanced bandpass and notch filters.

Technical specifications:
Max input level: -10V - +10V
Mixer gain: 1
Power consumption : +8mA, -8mA
Module width: 6HP
Module depth: 25mm

Notes: ADDAC809 is a dynamic CV operated I/O router that allows one source (Audio or CV) to be routed through 2 different chains (of one or more modules) before being sent to an output.
Six routing patterns are allowed:

1. IN > OUT
2. IN > CHAIN A > OUT
3. IN > CHAIN B > OUT
4. IN > CHAIN A > CHAIN B > OUT
5. IN > CHAIN B > CHAIN A > OUT
6. IN > > OUT
A practical example is to have an audio source, a delay and a looper.
And the question: should the delay be placed before or after the looper? Sometimes you may need the delay to be before the looper as you may want to sample the audio with the delay or sample the pure audio source and apply the delay afterwards.
This small utility module solves this issue on the fly without having to repatch anything.

INPUTS & OUTPUTS

TO CHAIN B: Connect to your Chain B input
FROM CHAIN B: Connect to your Chain B output
TO CHAIN A: Connect to your Chain A input
FROM CHAIN A: Connect to your Chain A output
INPUT: Connect to your Input Source
OUTPUT: Connect to your Output Source

ROUTING PATTERNS

There are 2 ways to address the six routing patterns:

Buttons: using the frontpanel push buttons and/or dedicated trigger inputs to latch between 2 states.
BYPASS: Chooses between Pattern 1 and any other pattern
PARALLEL: Chooses between Pattern 6 and any other pattern
ORDER: Chooses the order A before B or B before A
DUAL/SINGLE: Chooses to use a Dual (A>B or B>A) or Single chain (A or B)
CV: The dedicated CV input expects a 0 to +5v input and allows to jump to the precise routing pattern using a specific voltage interval in increments of approx. 0.83V:

Pattern 1: 0v to 0.83v
Pattern 2: 0.83v to 1.66v
Pattern 3: 1.66v to 2.5v
Pattern 4: 2.5v to 3.33V
Pattern 5: 3.33v to 4.16V
Pattern 6: 4.16v to 5V

Tech Specs:

Width: 12 HP
Depth: 55mm
Current: 80mA +12V / 30mA -12V

Notes: Mixer & CV/clock-controlled Switcher

Focused versatility seems an oxymoron when describing the features that led to the design of the Mixwitch.

With only a pinch of mixing, inverting and controlled switching, Klavis Electronics brew up a plethora of combinations and uses.

This is voltage processing magic!

The Mixwitch design comes from a frustration with attenuvertors (bipolar attenuators-inverters) whose off (neutral) position is difficult to retrieve, especially in live situations.

Klavis went for a digitally-controlled analogue path where polarity inversion would be at the touch of a button. So, the usefulness of attenuating/inverting can be realized by turning the pot down, swiftly pressing the inversion button and reopening the level. The zero level is where you expect it, with the pot full down.

Once a clean polarity control was established, a mute function was added, offering the benefit of pre-adjusted pot settings ready to be activated at will.

The next step was to bring something extra, useful and creative. There are plenty of analogue switches controlled by a clock; but arbitrarily selecting an input with a voltage is less known. Having both control capabilities combined with Klavis' specific mixer features creates a unique fusion: welcome to the Mixwitch!

Dimensions
8 HP
25 mm deep

Current Draw
39 mA +12V
24 mA -12V
0 mA 5V

Notes: Switchy is a module that allows you to turn on or off up to three modules (or busboard) independently of each other.

No need to turn off the whole case: All three voltages (+12V, -12V, 5V) are interrupted at the same time.

Used to reduce the background noise of certain "noisy" digital modules when not in use, to initialize certain modules or change their function, to change an SD card, to relieve the power supply with energy-consuming modules, etc.

Dimensions
6 HP
30 mm deep

Current Draw
20 mA +12V
20 mA -12V
20 mA 5V

Notes: Bartender? The power of gate signals at the touch of a button, please - but make mine a narrow one!

You already know what this is: it's a gate signal generator, and it generates gate signals. That's all there is to it. You press the button, the LED indicator lights up, and you get a 5v gate signal! Brilliant!

You get three, in just 2hp! That's 1 1/2 gate signal generators per hp! That's more than [competing product] from [competing brand]! You knew you made a good decision when you decided to look at this product.

All that remains now is to open your heart, and your wallet. Buy this gate generator - this version is the latching model (stays on or off after pressing). In fact, it works really well with the Quad Gate to Trigger Converter, also from Herzlich Labs - now you can generate both gates and triggers with ease! And in such little hp!

Oh, one more thing? Your friends are going to be very envious of this, when you show it off. Gold plated nuts, gold plated front panel, tastefully matte indicator LEDs, pleasantly tactile buttons, black hardware. All the details have received the closest care and attention.

Dimensions: 2 HP

Notes: Bartender? The power of gate signals at the touch of a button, please - but make mine a narrow one!

You already know what this is: it's a gate signal generator, and it generates gate signals. That's all there is to it. You press the button, the LED indicator lights up, and you get a 5v gate signal! Brilliant!

You get three, in just 2hp! That's 1 1/2 gate signal generators per hp! That's more than [competing product] from [competing brand]! You knew you made a good decision when you decided to look at this product.

All that remains now is to open your heart, and your wallet. Buy this gate generator - this is the momentary model (is normally off, and temporarily on when you press it). In fact, this also works really well with the Quad Gate to Trigger Converter, also from Herzlich Labs - now you can generate both gates and triggers with ease! And in such little hp!

Oh, one more thing? Your friends are going to be very envious of this, when you show it off. Gold plated nuts, gold plated front panel, tastefully matte indicator LEDs, pleasantly tactile buttons, black hardware. All the details have received the closest care and attention.

Dimensions: 2 HP

Notes: Simple but effective approach to signal routing here from Jolin Rosa. The Morpher is a four-in/four-out crossfader, scanner and switcher, allowing you to shape, route and manipulate any signal with ease.

Supplier's Notes:
ROSA is a multi-mode crossfader, scanner, and switcher that allows seamless morphing between up to four inputs and outputs. With its three operating modes (Scan, Wave, and Pass), you can easily shape and route signals to fit any patch.

A quick overview:

Scan Mode: Morph between up to four inputs with adjustable curves using the KNEE control.
Wave Mode: Independently control the four VCAs for complex dynamic changes.
Pass Mode: Route a single input (or mix multiple inputs) to up to four outputs, perfect for quadraphonic setups or parallel processing.
Infinite Analogue Potentiometer: For smooth, continuous transitions.
Global SHUT Control: CV-controlled mute for immediate silence.