Synth modules

Notes: Really clever noise-based oscillator from AJH. Drones, sweeps and bleeps aplenty, ranging from tamed to out-of-control filth. Also doubles up as a more conventional ring mod and distortion module.

Supplier's notes:
This 14HP wide module is a voltage controlled noise based oscillator, or noisillator for short. It generates 1/f noise and this is then sent through a feedback loop which allows the noise to be "tuned" to varying degrees depending on the settings of the frequency and resonance controls, or incoming frequency or resonance CV's. The tuned circuit can be FM modulated too, for some thunderous sweeping sounds. We have bright and dark outputs, which are pre and post filter respectively. The Bright output will always have a degree of noise present in the signal, whereas the Dark output can be tuned noise only when 4 pole resonance is selected. We also have an external Sync input, which will reset the resonant waveform, and we also have an Audio input, so that an external signal can be mixed into the resonant loop. Combinations of external waveforms to these two inputs can create some massive drone sounds, or sweeping sync sounds.

There is also an XOR ring modulator, which can be used as a module in its own right too. Lastly, we have an XOR amplifier, which is another independant circuit that can be used to add noise and distortion to any audio signal.

Notes: Each of the two sections of the module is capable of performing the analog multiplication of two signals (A and B) and add an offset (C). It can also act as a dual voltage controlled attenuverter, dual ring modulator, dual VCA or four channel mixer (see block diagram below).

The B inputs are routed to an attenuverter that multiplies the signal between -2 to 2, while the offset inputs (C) route through a unity gain attenuverter (multiplies the signal between -1 and 1).

The output of first section is routed to the output of the second (when the first's output is unused), so the second output can act as master to achieve (A1*B1+C1) + (A2*B2+C2) or (A1 + C1) + (A2 + C2) - a 4 channel mixer.

The through-zero (four-quadrant) multipliers in the A*B+C allow for true Ring Modulation. To achieve this, simply connect two waveforms to the A and B inputs.

Notes: A-133-2 is the slim version of the A-133 but has some additional features and improvements available compared to the A-133.

Module A-133-2 can be used for a lot of applications: as a simple VCA, or a voltage controlled polarizer/attuverter, or a voltage controlled inverter up to a DC coupled ring modulator. In principle the module contains two special voltage controlled amplifiers (VCAs) that allow both positive and negative amplification.

The overall amplification is definded by the sum of the voltage generated by the Man control, the external control voltage CV and the position of the CV control which works as an attenuator for the external control voltage. Without external CV the amplification is +1 when the Man control is fully CW. In the center position the amplification is zero and fully CCW it's -1 (i.e. the incoming signal is inverted). By means of the external control voltage CV the manually adjusted amplification can be modulated. CV can be both positive or negative (i.e. bipolar) to obtain positive or negative amplification values controlled by the external CV.

In addition the CV signal can be modulated via the modulation control input Mod by means of another control voltage. The Mod socket is normalled to +5V, i.e. a constant positive voltage is used as modulation CV provided that no plug is inserted into the Mod socket.

The current amplification is displayed by a dual color LED (note: it's not a signal display but indicates the amplification, probably yellow = positive amplification, red = negative amplification)
Application examples:
voltage controlled amplifier (VCA) with pure positive overall amplification (Man + CV)
voltage controlled inverter with pure negative overall amplification (Man + CV)
voltage controlled polarizer/attuverter overall amplification changing between positive and negative (Man + CV)
DC coupled ring modulator with offset feature, the "classical" ring modulator corresponds to Man=0 and symmetrical audio signals for In and CV
additional effects by means of the modulation feature of the CV signal (using the Mod input)

Notes: Erica Synths Fusion Ring Modulator - a classic design ring modulator with germanium diode ring + vacuum tube to boost and shape audio and carrier signals.

Germanium diodes enrich the sound by adding extra harmonic content meanwhile vacuum tube adds evilish overdrive to audio and carrier signals. As a result you get one of the most versatile ringmodulators around!

All Fusion modules by default are configured to work with regular eurorack PSU.

Configurable power supply - standard eurorack +-12V conection OR eurorack +-12V plus Erica Synths Tube heater PSU

Due to the fact that cold tube heaters have lower resistance, Fusion modules have significant power consumption peak at startup, when power consumption almost doubles for 1-2 seconds. This is not a problem with linear PSUs that have power inertia, but may cause switching PSU internal protection turn off the power supply. Please make sure your PSU has some headroom before installing multiple Fusion modules.

Specifications:

Input signal level: up to 20V ptp
Output signal level: 10V ptp
Mixer GAIN: 1
Power supply: bipolar +-12V , eurorack standard
Power consumption: Eurorack PSU configuration: 160mA@+12V, 10mA@-12V
Module width: 12HP
Module depth: 25mm

Notes: Part of Erica's brilliant valve-based Fusion range, this is not your typical VCA. Waveshaping and ring modulation are the key features here, twisting and warping signals to great effect.

Supplier's Notes:

The Fusion VCA/Waveshaper/Ringmodulator is a complex sound processor that combines VCA, waveshaper and ringmodulator. It's not a regular VCA; it can operate as one, but most of the power of the module is in advanced modulations - with two CVs applied simultaneously to different stages of the VCA, audio rate modulations, using ringmodulator as a waveshaper - your imagination is the limit!

Low power consumption due to miniature vacuum tubes.

Technical specifications:

Audio Input level: 10Vptp
CV input level (full swing): -10V - +10V
Panel width: 14HP
Module depth: 36mm
Power consumption: 48mA@+12V, 69mA@-12V

Notes: Erica Pico LFO/S&H is full analogue modulations source - LFO with simultaneous triangle and pulse wave outpus and Sample and Hold - to provide some controlled randomness to your modular setup. It can also work as clock source.

Features:
Full analogue circuit
LFO with triangle and square wave outputs
Highly stable S&H circuit based on AS1100CK2 IC
Input and output protection against overvoltage
Protection against reverse PSU connection

Dimensions
3 HP
35 mm deep

Current Draw
13 mA +12V
10 mA -12V

Notes: Clever FM module that does digital-style through-zero FM using analogue circuits. Use any signals from other modules as your carrier and modulator, then phase modulate or wavefold in the FM Aid.

Supplier's Notes:
FM AID is a module designed to perform through-zero linear Frequency Modulation (FM) in the analog modular world. Any arbitrary signals can be used as a Carrier and Modulator. The module copies FM in how it is done in digital implementation, but in a completely analog circuit free of digital aliasing artifacts. Digital or software FM oscillators are mainly based on a ramp waveform which is then shaped to other waveforms. This is also represented in the FM AID module: sawtooth signal is expected on the Carrier input to give the indicated sine, triangle, sawtooth and square waveforms on the respective outputs. However the user is not limited to only use sawtooth for the Carrier and any other signal can be plugged giving many complex waveforms at the outputs.

All known FM tricks from digital implementation are also applied - you can endlessly experiment with the Carrier/Modulator frequency ratios, Modulation index (FM knob), Modulator's amplitude shaping (CV knob), feedback FM (output is fed back to the Modulator's input) and many other.
Carrier input has normalled connection to the Modulator's input. This internal routing is disconnected each time a plug is inserted in the Modulator's input. That is a handy option which allows the module to be used with only one signal source - this single signal will act as Carrier and Modulator at the same time. There won't be any frequency differences between Carrier and Modulator in this case, but many interesting wave folding sounds will be available anyway.

Technically speaking FM AID uses Phase Modulation, not Frequency Modulation. The sonic difference is that the produces sound is brighter.

SPECIFICATIONS

Carrier input level: -5V ... + 5V (can also accept inputs ranging from -1V ... +1V] to [-12V ...+12V] / [-15V ...+15V] using onboard trimmer)

Modulator input level: preferably -5V ... + 5V

CV input level: preferably -5V ... + 5V

outputs level: -5V ... + 5V

outputs impedance: 1 kOhm

module depth: 3 cm or 1,5 inches

power consumption: +45 /-45 mA at +/-12 Vdc, +50 /-50 mA at +/-15 Vdc

Notes: Building on the familiar dual VCO core arrangement of Carrier and Modulator, Mindphaser is a complex oscillator which departs from this bit of ancestral DNA with a modern toolkit focused on searing, phase-modulated leads, percussive basslines and other-worldly effects!

A diverse palette of intermodulation and harmonic experimentation is offered through the Modulation Bus, its unique Waveshaper and the dedicated Thru-zero Phase Modulation Bus. An intuitive interface provides colour-coded visual feedback and responsive indication while performing in dimly-lit environments.

Two precision analogue oscillator cores

Precision, wide-range V/oct ramp cores, each ranging from deep subsonic to supersonic frequencies (ramp cores, and not triangular, deliver the ideal waveforms for analogue phase accumulation in the TZ-PM Bus)
Each core generates fundamental waveshapes which interact and mangle one-another through the complex Modulation Bus and TZ-PM bus
Simultaneous waveform outputs for each base shape
Dedicated button to toggle between RAMP or SAW for each core, inverting the phase of the ramp output
V/oct, linear FM and exponential FM inputs which are all independent of the TZ-PM functionality. The Carrier's FM occurs inside the core itself, separate from the TZ-PM bus.
DC-coupled linear FM

Carrier

The heartbeat of Mindphaser, focused on audio-rate generation. Drives the WAVESHAPER and TZ-PM bus. This core's frequency range spans the audible spectrum.

- An external hard SYNC IN forcibly resets the core, useful for punchy sequences, percussive basslines and drum synthesis -- or to sync to another VCO.

- Coarse and fine controls conveniently span the audible spectrum. Ranges further with external CV.

Modulator

An extremely wide range oscillator, spanning from deep LFO frequencies all the way up to supersonic sound! Four base waveforms and diverse internal routing options form a versatile palette of modulations for the CARRIER to feed on.

- Activating hard SYNC on the Modulator locks its core to the Carrier's heartbeat. The effect can be dramatic. Try this while phase modulating!

- Octave RANGE switch lets you quickly flick up and down between octaves. All the way beyond audio-rate and LFO speed octaves. Perfect for experimenting with different PM sidebands and taming the wide frequency range of the Modulator.

- Manual PW (Pulse Width) control and dedicated CV input for PWM.

Waveshaper

This isn't a classic waveshaper! Developed anew from the ground up, this waveshaper is focused on deep harmonic experimentation and audio obliteration. Each waveshaper parameter is capable of being "turned up to 11".

FOLD up to 5 octaves above the fundamental Carrier frequency. A ceiling forms at maximum, imparting additional harmonics.

FEEDBACK the waveshaped and phase-modulated audio through a signal path internal to the waveshaper.

AMPLITUDE modulation spans thru-zero, allowing for full-range ring modulation effects with bipolar CV or audio signals.

CLIP the final stage of amplitude with the switch to introduce a last stage of harmonics before the complex signal exits through the final OUT.

Switchable inverting attenuators on each CV input, for quickly inverting the behaviour of your modulation. The indicator illuminates red to tell you the attenuator has been inverted.

Two distinct waveshaping modes

A press of the shape switch toggles Mindphaser between RAMPOID (green) and TRIANGULAR (yellow) waveshaping modes.

These modes have a remarkable effect on the behaviour of wavefolding and overall character of the final complex OUT, in addition to TZ-PM Bus character.

RAMPOID mode folds more asymmetrically, with raucous, buzzing harmonic artefacts as you sweep and introduce TZ-PM

TRIANGULAR mode folds more symmetric, splitting the complex sine wave at its peak centre of the waveform. TZ-PM character is less raucous, and more smooth.

TZ-PM Bus

Thru-zero phase modulation in the ANALOGUE realm! Unlike its digital counterpart, analogue TZ-PM has its own character we've come to expect from analogue circuitry!

A dedicated, voltage-controlled phase modulation bus completely separate from the Mod Bus
Modulator's SINE wave normalled to the PM SOURCE input
SOURCE input allows you to modulate phase with any signal you patch in
Dedicated voltage-controlled INDEX (amount)
Manual phase lets you zero in (or not!) on the base phase before introducing modulation
Independent of the Linear FM circuitry in the Carrier core

Mod Bus

The internal modulation powerhouse, normally fed by the Modulator core, but external signals are patchable as well.

Select from the PULSE, RAMP/SAW or SINE output of the MODULATOR, or inject your own SOURCE to the bus.

Voltage-controlled INDEX behaves like a macro control when combined with various amounts and polarities dialled in at each CV destination.

Internal sends include the Carrier's classic Linear FM, Amplitude, Feedback and TZ-PM Index, with variable amounts and polarities!

Modulator waveforms internally feeding the Mod Bus behave unipolarly, for predictable modulation of every Mod Bus destination, without external patching. By patching in one of the Modulator's bipolar waveform outputs manually (or any external signal), you can override this behaviour.

Dimensions
30 HP
24 mm deep

Current Draw
110 mA +12V
100 mA -12V

Notes: Two oscillators independently set as VCO, LFO, or random generator

This new version replaces the original Twin Waves. All features of the former are retained. You can check all videos, reviews and comments of V1, being sure to benefit of all in the MKII version :-)

Features in VCO mode:

V/Oct tracking over 10 octaves
Tuning lock with octave selection
Through zero and linear FM
Sub-octave output
Hard & soft synchronization
VCA control and CV algorithms selection
Quantizer with various scales
20 algorithm-based synthesis types among:
Wave shaping
Phase modulation
Phase positioning of multiple waves
Up to 5 stacked oscillators in tunable unison
Self-sync with phantom oscillator
Additive synthesis (7 waves)
Variable bit reduction (bit-crushing)
Ring modulator with its own 2nd oscillator
Noise with LPF, BPF, or resonant filter

Features in LFO mode:

Simultaneous signal and trigger outputs
External wave synchronization
Clock controlled rate with voltage controlled multiplier and divider
CV and knob control of output level
Algorithm based wave engine with a selection of:
Wave shaping
Phase modulation
Random levels and vectors (also Brownian)
Randomly spaced triggers and waves
Display with contextual icons and instant reminder help text
LEDs indicating potentiometer vs. value matching, switch settings and output signals
Automatically saved settings for instant recall at power on
Firmware update by playing an audio file via the front panel
Compact and skiff-friendly module

Dimensions
8 HP
21 mm deep

Current Draw
52 mA +12V
17 mA -12V
0 mA 5V

Notes: Arkan

Dual Voltage Polarizer

You may have heard this before: "You can never have enough VCAs". A voltage polarizer (also known as a bipolar VCA or a 4-quadrant multiplier) is often viewed as the VCA better suited for CV. As it can be used as a unipolar VCA and it allows you to invert a signal when it is modulated with a negative voltage. Resulting in interesting movements in your modulations.

What sets Arkan apart from other voltage polarizers is the curvature control, a feature usually only seen in unipolar VCAs. By taking a different approach to the classic voltage polarizer circuitry, Malstrom have devised a unique solution that provides a new way to shape your audio and CV. The non-linearity of the polarizer also makes Arkan really good at reaching silence when presented with a 0V CV signal.

At audio rate, Arkan acts as a ring-modulator with four controls to change timbres.

Boosting adds odd harmonics (symmetrical distortion), while offsetting adds even harmonics (asymmetrical distortion). The modulation curve changes ring modulation sharpness, and modulation strength determines the carrier dominance.

Two identical channels with carefully selected features will make Arkan your go-to modulation control hub. Arkan is especially useful for common utility duties such as mixing, scaling, inverting and offsetting. As well as CV modulation, feedback patching, and waveshaping. All this makes Arkan a very versatile tool that will certainly have a place in your patch!

Features (per channel)

- Input attenuation with inverter switch gives you more precision and range, with voltage inversion and quick silencing.
- Bias input with attenuverter control to offset your input signal or mix/invert another signal.
- CV input with curvature control allows you to shape the polarizer and improve its 0V attenuation.
- CV modulation control to fade in the modulator, allowing you to determine the amount of modulation.
- Voltage gain and polarity led indicators showing you exactly what is happening under the radar.
- Output normalled internally and externally (to other Arkans) to easily mix signals.

Additional features

Optional signal boost (x4 / +12dB) via switch on the PCB to increase voltages when needed.
5V or 10V voltage reference selection for bias voltage and CV input range to adjust Arkan to your system.

Dimensions
- 8HP.
- 28mm, Skiff-friendly.

Power consumption
- 90mA @ +12V.
- 85mA @ -12V.

I/O specs

- All inputs DC coupled.
- All inputs handle audio signals.
- All inputs have 100k input impedance. - All inputs have +-10V Input range.
- CV range +-5V or +-10V.
- Bias Voltage range +-5V or +-10V.
- Boost gain x1 or x4.
- All inputs are overvoltage protected.
- Keyed power header.
- Reverse power protection.

Notes: 6HP Micromodule of MI Warps.

Notes: Babel is a tool for creating massive intermodulation, and a workhorse for analogue logic, depending on your use and interpretation of its function. It provides three inputs, which can be arbitrarily increased with the chainable expander (see below). For each of those inputs, Babel outputs the maximum value (ANY), the minimum value (ALL), and the balanced middle value (XSOME), which follows along the centre values of the input waves. What CENTER means is adjustable via knob and CV control. XSOME is particularly interesting, as it has the same general shape as a multiplication function, but with sharper edges. What this means it that Babel will create ring-mod like intermodulation-but with extra harmonics like those produced with a wavefolder, and with an arbitrary number of inputs, instead of just two.

When viewed as a logic module, Babel takes any group of truth values and tells you whether any of them are true (ANY, the equivalent of "or" with just two values), whether all of them are true (ALL, the equivalent of "and" with just two values), and whether some, but not all of them are true (XSOME, the equivalent of "xor" with just two values). Turn CENTER all the way to the right for 0-+5V logic, or leave it cantered for -5V-+5V logic-handy when your "logic" modules are really LFOs.

Specs

Size: 6HP
Depth: 22mm
Power Consumption: +12V 44mA -12V 44mA
Output Swing: -10V-+10V peak
Input Range: -10V-+10V peak
Input Impedance: 30kO
Output Impedance: 150O
Output Drive: 2kO (min), 20kO+ (ideal)

Notes: Blokan is a ring modulator for Eurorack based on tubes and transformers. It is built like a classic diode ring modulator, but the diodes are tube based.

The built-in VCO provides the carrier signal (saw wave) and can also be tapped using a dedicated output. The VCO provides a voltage control input. The carrier signal can also be replaced by an external signal.

The module sounds different from conventional ring modulators due to the tubes. There may be slight noise and the carrier wave may crosstalk in the output.

Technical

Size: 12hp
Face plate material: 2mm anodised Aluminium
+12v:18mA
-12v:18mA
+5v: 600mA

Notes: This module is a four-quadrant multiplier that produces distinct alien and bell type sounds.

It features standard carrier (X) and modulator (Y) inputs; each with their own attenuator.

The balance and offset of the output signal is also adjustable.

Specifications

Format: Eurorack
Width: 5hp
Depth: approx. 40mm
Power consumption:
+12V: 20mA
-12V: 20mA
+5V: 0mA