Showing posts with label LFO. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LFO. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Doepfer A-147-2 Voltage Controlled Delayed LFO Announced

Doepfer recently announced the A-147-2, the successor of the VCLFO A-147.
This module but offers more features than the predecessor and is made of the following sub-units:

VCLFO: voltage controlled low frequency oscillator
VCA: voltage controlled amplifier, switchable to voltage controlled polarizer
VC delay unit: voltage controlled linear attack envelope (only one parameter: attack) for delayed LFO operation in combination with the VCA (e.g. delayed vibrato/tremolo)

"LFO: The voltage controlled LFO has the waveforms Triangle, Sine, Sawtooth and Rectangle available and features a Reset/Sync input. Triangle/Sine and Rectangle are displayed by means of dual-color LEDs (probably red/green), Sawtooth has a unicolor LED available (probably blue). 
The output levels are about -4V...+4V for Triangle, Sine and Rectangle. 
The Sawtooth level is about 0...+8V.
The CV control can be switched to attenuator or polarizer ("CV Mode" switch). 
In polarizer mode the CV inputs affects the frequency in the reverse manner when the CV control is left from the center position. In the center position CV has no effect and right from the center the control works like a normal attenuator. 
The frequency range (without external CV) is from about 0,005 Hz (i.e. about 3 minutes per periode) to 200 Hz. In addition a ultra-low mode can be activated by means of an internal jumper. 
When the ultra-low jumper is set a fixed voltage is connected to the switching contact of the "LFO CV" socket. In polarizer mode of the CV control that way extremely low frequencies (up to one hour period and more) are possible.

VCA: This is a linear VCA that can be switched to "normal" VCA (i.e. kind of a voltage controlled attenuator) or voltage controlled polarizer ("VCA Mode" switch). 
In the "normal" VCA mode amplification +1 is achieved with about +5V control voltage. 
In polarizer mode the amplification ranges from about -0.5 (i.e. inverted signal with about 50% level) with 0V CV to +0.5 (i.e. non-inverted signal with about 50% level) with +5V CV. With about +2.5V CV the signal is suppressed.
Details about the functioning of a voltage controlled polarizer can be found in the description of the module A-133. In this mode the VCA can be treated also a DC coupled ring modulator (similar to A-114).
The VCA of the A-147-2 has three sockets available: "In" (signal input), "Out" (signal output) and "CV" (control voltage input).
The Triangle Output of the LFO is normalled to the VCA signal input by means of the switching contact of the "VCA In" socket. If another LFO waveform (or any other signal) should be processed by the VCA the corresponding signal has to be patched to the "VCA In" socket. 
The VCA can be used also independently from the LFO and the Delay CV. 
In this case the VCA sockets In, Out and CV have to be patched accordingly. The VCA can be used also as waveshaper for the LFO signals (e.g. by patching VCA In and VCA CV to different LFO signals, if necessary via attenuator A-183-1 or offset generator/attenuator A-183-2).

A-147-2 block diagram
Attack/Delay: The third sub-unit of the module is a simple, voltage controlled envelope generator that has only the parameter "Delay" (or Attack) available. 
This unit generates a linear increasing voltage that starts from 0V after each Delay Reset until it reaches about +5V.
Then the voltage remains at +5V until the next Delay Reset occurs. 
The inclination or gradient is controlled by the manual Delay control and the Delay control voltage ("Delay CV" input). 
The waveform is linear, the control scale is exponential. The output voltage is displayed by a unicolor LED (probably orange) and available at the "Delay Out" socket.
The manual Delay control ranges - without external "Delay CV" - from about 5ms (fully CW) up to 2 minutes (fully CCW). By means of an external voltage applied to the "Delay CV" socket this range can be extended. A rising CV shortens the delay time (behaviour like a VCO) !
The Delay output voltage ranges from about 0V to +5V. The rising edge of the gate, clock or trigger signal applied to the "Delay Reset" sockets resets the Delay output voltage to 0 V.
"Delay Out" is normalled to the VCA CV input by means of the switching contact of the "VCA CV" socket and consequently controls the Triangle level provided that no other patch is made. 
A typical example is the usage of a Gate signal (e.g. from a USB/Midi-to-CV/Gate interface) as Delay Reset. 
That way a delayed vibrato or tremolo can be realized if the VCA output is patched to the frequency CV input of a VCO (or VCF), or the CV input of a VCA.
But the Delay sub-unit can be used also independently from the LFO and VCA, e.g. as a voltage controlled waveshaper or for other applications where a linear increasing signal with voltage controlled steepness is required."

The module is planned for early 2015, price ~ Euro 120.00, price and release date are still without obligation !

Friday, September 12, 2014

Mutable Instruments Peaks Demo by DivKid

Another lnice and long Eurorack demo by DivKid, demonstrating the multifuncional Mutable Instruments Peaks module.

" Peaks is a multi-function module, but the general rule is that cool things happen whenever a trigger
is received. Its four main functions are:
Envelope generator – the gate/trigger input starts and holds the envelope.
LFO – the gate/trigger input resets the waveform cycle.
LFO with tap-tempo synchronization – the gate/trigger input sets the period of the LFO oscillations. Note that Peaks can “learn” irregular trigger sequences and lock onto them.
Drum generator – the gate/trigger input triggers the drum sound.

Peaks provides two channels of processing – each of them has a gate/trigger input jack, a gate/trigger button with an output indication LED, and an audio/CV output. Both channels provide the same function – the exception being channel 1′s drum generator being a bass drum generator, and channel 2′s drum generator being a snare drum/hi-hat generator.

Both channels can be “synchronized” (aka twin mode), in that they both share the same front panel controls – for example in ADSR envelope mode, the first knob will control both channel 1 and channel 2′s attack time. This can be used not only to create duophonic patches (for which you actually want both channels to behave similarly), but also to obtain two synchronized outputs of the same LFO waveform with different phase shifts…

Another way of controlling the module is the split mode in which the potentiometers 1 and 2 control channel 1′s settings; and the potentiometers 3 and 4 control channel 2′s settings. This mode only gives access to the 2 most essential parameters of each function (for example attack and decay time for an envelope) – the other parameters being set to default “neutral” settings.

Finally, if breaking the one knob per function rule is not a taboo for you, an expert mode allows individual control of channel 1 and 2."

Video: Mutable Instruments - Peaks by DivKidMusic

" Another hugely feature packed module from Mutable Instruments! Peaks has 4 modes with envelopes, LFOs, Tap-LFOs and drums then an additional 4 'hidden' modes which are a mini step sequencer, trigger delay and repeater, trigger stream randomiser and a dual Anushri style synth drum generator.
As always all comments are welcome!

As mentioned in the video here is the Branches overview video so you can check that out as it's used for several patches in the video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVKx_..."

Uploaded by DivKidMusic

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Frequency Central Ultra Wave LFO Demo by @DivKid

@DivKid uploaded a nice demonstration of his Frequency Central Ultra Wave LFO.

Frequency Central Ultra Wave LFO
The Ultra Wave is a fully expanded version of the Wave Runner LFO.
It’s a multi-waveform sync-able LFO based on the Electric Druid TAPLFO2D family of code, but with some significant additions and improvements.
The WAVERUNNER 1 PIC and code is exclusive to Frequency Central and was developed specifically for the Wave Runner/Ultra Wave, and is not compatible with similar modules.

Ultra Wave has both manual and CV control of frequency, clock multiple, waveform and wave distortion. Additionally there’s sync input and output level CV input. Two outputs, LFO and clock.

Ultra Wave comes as a two PCB set, together with a PIC and front panel.
PCBs are parallel with the panel, so it’s skiff friendly too!

Video: EURORACK MODULE - Frequency Central - Ultra Wave

" Here I have the new Frequency Central Ultra Wave tempo syncable LFO module with exclusive code only used for Frequency Central.
Head to www.frequencycentral.co.uk for more information."

Uploaded by DivKidMusic

Wednesday, January 01, 2014

Ginko Synthese TTLFO Clock Synced LFO and VCSQ Step Sequencer

Ginko Synthese TTLFO Clock Synced LFO
And another new Eurorack manufacturer has popped up, this time from my home-country The Netherlands...

Ginko Synthese is founded by Jan Willem Hagenbeek.
As an electronic musician and producer he has first hand experience of the gap between the feel of playing live on stage and the more controlled environment when working in the studio for productions.
Therefore all of his products are designed with a focus on the immediacy of live performance, but can be easily integrated into a studio environment.

Very soon his latest product the VCSQ will be available on his website.
This voltage controlled stepsequencer can be controlled by the earlier released GinkoSynthese TTLFO Clock Synced LFO that is based around the Electric Druid TAPLFO chip.
It's not the LFO you already know... It is synced to your master clock, or sync it with the taps you make on the tap button and it is quite useful as a taptempo master clock generator.

Ginko Synthese TTLFO and
VCSQ Step Sequencer
The VCSQ transforms a CV signal into a sequence; every voltage step of 0.625V gives a next step on the sequencer.
It can be internally connected by the TTLFO via a wire, and playing with the distort knob gives nice changes in the sequence.
If you put in a sine wave the sequence is bouncing.

The final design of the VCSQ was finished a few days ago and they will order the pcb's in the first week of January.
It will probably appear on their website soon...

Specifications of the TTLFO:
- Eurorack size
- Width: 10HP (50.5mm)
 +/-12V and 5V
- compatible with Doepfer
Features:
- 8 waveforms
- multiplier / clock divider
- horizontal wave distort
- external clock input
- CV input for distort amount
- CV input for multiplier
- LFO output (selectable between 0/5V and -5V/+5V)
- clock output
- manual available on the site (PDF)

If you're interested in ordering one, you can fill out the form on their website.

Update October 27 2014:
There will be an upgrade for the Tap Tempo LFO available soon. 

This chip is specially designed for Ginko Synthese by Tom Wiltshire and is only available through the GinkoSynthese TTLFO upgrade-chip productpage.
What’s different?
The tap tempo speed of the LFO is currently limited to a little less than 1 cycle per 4 seconds and with the multiplier at ½ to 1 cycle per 8 seconds max. The new chip will push the maximum cycle time up to 1 cycle per 20 seconds! This comes in handy by creating slow evolving pads and when the Tap Tempo LFO is used in combination with the Voltage Controlled Sequencer.


Sunday, October 13, 2013

Malekko Heavy Industry Richter Envelator Video Tutorial by Raul Pena

Raul Pena keeps rolling out new videos... only last week he started a new Doepfer series, today he already started a new 'Modular Wild presents Profile' series on the Malekko Heavy Industry Richter Envelator.

Here's part one:

Video 1:
Modular Wild Presents PROFILE- Malekko Heavy Industry Richter Envelator

" A brief overview of the features of the Malekko Heavy Industry Richter Envelator. Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Video 2: Modular Wild presents SOUNDS-Malekko Heavy Industry Richter Envelator as AD

" A short demonstration of the Malekko Heavy Industry Richter Envelator as an AD envelope. Sound and Video by Raul Pena"

Video 3: Modular WIld Presents SOUNDS-Malekko Heavy Industry Richter Envelator as AR envelope

"A short demonstration of using the Malekko Heavy Industry Envelator as an AR envelope. Sound and Video by Raul Pena. "

Video 4: Modular Wild Presents SOUNDS-Malekko Heavy Industry Richter Envelator in CYCLE mode

" A short demonstration of using the Malekko Heavy Industry Richter Envelator in Cycle Mode.Sound and Video by Raul Pena."

Video 5: Modular Wild Presents SOUNDS-Malekko Richter Envelator Modulation of Attack and Decay

" A short demonstration of modulation of attack and decay/release on the Malekko Heavy Industry Richter Envelator. Also shows self patching for different curves.Sound and Video by Raul Pena."
Future episodes in this series will be added every Sunday

Please check out Raul's latest surveys at:
Raul's World of Synths Modular Videos:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/3YGXKYZ
Modular Wild Video Series:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DZMTQRQ

Other places to find Raul's World of Synths on the Web:

Thursday, October 10, 2013

SiteTip: Mheontube YouTube Channel

It looks like another Eurorack fan has hit YouTube...
Mheontube started to upload interesting short Eurorack snippets since yesterday, basic patches made with a small setup of only 4 Doepfer modules (so far)...

Check the full playlist (the last 7 videos were uploaded in one day) HERE

Video 1: Chirp Chirp Analogue by mheontube

-no description available

Video 2: Android's Talk by mheontube

-no description available

Video 3: Grumpy Android by mheontube

-no description available
Uploaded by mheontube (subscribe!)

Wednesday, June 05, 2013

New A-141-2 Voltage Controlled ADSR/LFO Announced

A-141-2 Voltage Controlled
ADSR/LFO
Doepfer announced another new module this week.
The A-141-2 Voltage Controlled ADSR/LFO will replace the old A-141 module that is running out now. (the last ones are on sale)

The newly announced 14 HP wide A-141-2 Voltage Controlled ADSR/LFO will be similar to the A-141 but it has a lot of extras/ improvements.
For example it has a common CV input for all time parameters (A/D/R), a 3-position range switch for time range 10:1:100 and digital outputs for EOA (end of attack) and EOR (end of release).

It also has three envelope outputs: one with fixed ADSR, one inverted output and a third output with additional CV input for level (i.e. built-in level VCA)
There's also the possibility to change the shape of each segment of the envelope (exponential - linear - inverted exponential), it has a VCLFO mode and is planned for summer 2013

The price will be around 125.00 Euro, price and planned release date (August 2013) are still without obligation !

Saturday, March 09, 2013

Using a Doepfer A-145 LFO as Swing Generator

I have decided to make a few short tutorials for the blog with relatively basic tips for your modular synthesizer.

The first video in this series shows how you can use an LFO as alternative 'Swing Generator'
I used a Doepfer A-145 LFO to show the principle.
The A-145 can do a great job as a (continuous) envelope generator, especially when using the reversed saw-tooth wave.

In the video the TB-303 is playing, the A-100 is playing the same pattern via the TB-303's CV Output.
The Gate from the TB-303 is fed into the Reset In on the A-145 so each time this module receives a Gate signal, it starts a new cycle.
Slow LFO cycles (Low mode) will result in longer envelopes and faster LFO's will result in interesting (swinging) rhythmical discoveries.

Video: Using an A-145 LFO as Swing Generator by PatchPierre

" Short PatchPierre Tutorial
Equipment used: Doepfer A-100, Roland TB-303, Machinedrum "

Uploaded by PatchPierre (subscribe!)

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Friday, November 18, 2011

A-146 LFO2

Module A-146 (LFO 2) is a Low Frequency Oscillator, which produces periodic control voltages over a wide range of frequencies.
The LFO can be used as a modulation source for a series of modules (for example pulse width and/or frequency modulation of a VCO, modulation of a VCF cut-off frequency or amplitude modulation with a VCA).

It is quite different from the A-145 and A-147, that i discussed earlier HERE

Three outputs are available, with different waveforms: sawtooth / triangle; square wave, and positive-voltage square wave.
The waveforms are continuously adjustable from rising sawtooth, through triangle to falling sawtooth.
The same control affects the pulse width of the square wave.
A three-way switch can select one of three frequency ranges, spanning from one cycle every few minutes, at the lowest, up to audio frequency at the highest.

A nice LFO, but i don't own one myself... yet.
Too bad it has no CV input  and that it doesn't have a reset input...

More on waveforms: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waveform
also see Wikipedia for more indepth info on the different wave-forms:
Pulse wave             Sawtooth wave
Sine wave               Square wave
Triangle wave

Saturday, May 07, 2011

LFO's A-145 and A-147

Low Frequency Oscillators or LFO's produce periodic control voltages that can be used as a modulation source for all kinds of other modules.

The A-145 LFO1 was the first and one the most basic single Low Frequency Oscillators that Doepfer sold.
It provides 5 different waveforms; sine,sawtooth, triangle, pulse and inverted sawtooth ,and each waveform has their individual (and simultaneous) output.
With the Frequency-knob and the 3-way switch you can select a wide range of frequencies, from on cycle every minute up to audio frequency at the highest.
A reset input allows you to synchronize the LFO signal to an external trigger signal and each trigger will re-start the waveform from its zero-point.

The most obvious use for an LFO is to do some pitch modulation on a VCO to create a vibrato and to modulate amplifiers (VCA's) for a tremolo effect, but with a creative mind you can use these two modules for all kinds of sound manipulating.

The A-147 Voltage Controlled LFO is basically the same LFO as the A-145.
It doesn't have one of the A-145's sawtooth waves, but does have an extra Control Voltage input that is very useful.
Think of an A-174-2 Wheels Module or A-174-1 Joystick Controller as the most used control voltages, but dare to think further... how about controlling the A-147 frequency with noise or perhaps another LFO for example?
My personal favorite use is to put a voltage of an A-198 Ribbon Controller or Theremin Voltage though the CV input and send it to an VCA to get a tremolo effect, but at a higher frequency in the higher notes.

I will discuss the A-146 LFO2 in a future post because it is a slightly different module with different features and uses.