The E520 Hyperion is a mono / stereo in, stereo out effects module. It is 48HP wide, 35mm deep and uses less than 230ma of +12V and less than 50ma of -12V.

Powered by a 480MHz ARM Cortex M7 CPU, the E520 has 64MB on on-board SDRAM for recording up to 6min of stereo audio at 48KHz sample rate. The LCD screen and optical encoder navigation uses the same 'shallow' menu scheme of our E352 and E370 modules, with the addition of 4 'soft keys' for selecting options without having to leave the main page.

The E520 uses a premium audio path not usually found in Eurorack. Crystal Semi CODECs, TI OPA-series op amps (in the audio sections) are used along with low-noise, dedicated LDO voltage regulators for a clean, full soundstage. Audio conversion uses 48KHz sample rate, 24bit resolution with a line or synth level setting.

The Input and Output gains can be independently set for Line or Modular levels. This allows direct interfacing to DAWs / audio interfaces without a mixer or VCA stage. It also makes interfacing from your old keyboard synths / drum machines into your modular gear quck and easy.

The E520 is designed to fit into a 4ms 48HP powered PODX esktop case.

Basic features

Currently, there are 26 different algorithms included with the E520, and more can be added in the future as internal memory allows. Each algorithm can have up to 4 PARAMETERS under voltage control. The initial value of a PARAMETER is set by a panel knob, and then external CVs of up to +-5V at 10KHz can be applied. In addition, most algorithms employ feedback which can be modulated by external CVs as well. Typical PARAMETERs are delay time, LFO speeds, pitch shift amount and many others.

The row of 'soft keys' are usually 1-3 for algorithm selections (such as range of Delay Time) while the 4th is a BYPASS function. Some algorithms use the TAP TEMPO button for tapping in Delay Time, LFO Speed or similar functions. Other algorithms repurpose the TAP TEMPO as a 'FREEZE' or 'HOLD' function. The SYNC IN jack can be used like the TAP TEMPO functions, but driven by a clock or Gate signal.

The E520 has a unique 'dual chained mono' mode, where either:

different algorithms cam be placed on Left and Right channels (for example Shimmer on Left and the Voder filter on Right). This can be thought of as 2 Mono Ins, and 2 Mono Outs.
2 algorithms can be 'chained' , where the Left algorithm internally feds the Right algorithm. This is a Mono In, Stereo Out signal chain (both Left Out and Right Out can be used).
Chaining of stereo effects is not possible due to limitations of internal memory and the DSP speed required to maintain the 48KHz sample rate.
Algorithms in the E520 fall into 3 catagories:

Time Domain Effects - delay, chorus, phase shifting / flanging, frequency shifting and others.
Frequency Domain (Spectral) Effects - Our unique Spectral Crusher, vocoder, time-stretching and others.
Utility - frequency and level measurements

Time-domain effects

Stereo Pattern Delay

The Stereo Pattern Delay is a stereo tapped delay line with CV-controlled tap patterns. Each channel (left / right) has its own separate delay line with two sets of taps: Primary and Secondary. The patterns are chosen from a set ov 64 and the length of the patterns can be adjusted via buttons. Mixing between Primary and Secondary, filtering and feedback all allow control over the complexity and dynamics of the output. Tap Tempo or external clocks can be used to set the base time rate and a selectable multiply / divide ratio can scale the rate.

Stereo Flanging Delay

The Stereo Flanger Delay is short delay which allows smooth control of the delay line length over intervals of 0-100ms which makes it particularly useful for Flanging and Karplus-Strong effects. This is a true stereo effect in that there are separate delay lines for Left and Right channels but they can be processed identically. The unique feature of this algorithm is the inclusion of an 8-stage allpass diffuser at the input with control over mix and length which can be used to thicken up the sound prior to flanging. Additional features are that the delay control can be done either in linear time or exponential frequency, and that the output can be set into flanger mode which makes comb-filter sounds easier to achieve.

Stereo Chorus

The Stereo Chorus is multi-tap chorus with selectable number phases and an integrated LFO with variable frequency and depth. It is a true stereo effect: the Left and Right channels are completely independent but can be processed with identical parameters. Variable feedback is available as well as selectable LFO waveform and optional phase offset between the Left and Right channels.